Democracy Noir

Austrian premiere! / From Oscar-nominee and Sundance and Emmy winner Connie Field

DK/US/DE/HU, 2024, 90 min, English and Hungarian with English subtitles

Regie: Connie Field
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Oscar-nominee Connie Field follows journalist Babett, politician Timea, and activist Niko, as they fight to expose the insidious lies and corruption within Viktor Orbán’s white nationalist regime. Amidst the brazen rise of 21st century authoritarianism, few politicians have proven as adept at undermining democracy as the Hungarian Prime Minister.

With each carefully crafted, methodical step Orbán makes towards autocracy, the three women - representing many in Hungary - trail close behind in their fight, exploring innovative ways to take on one of the West’s most powerful, and seemingly unstoppable, demagogues. Through their activism Connie Field details how unchecked power can quickly remove rights that were once taken for granted, and their experiences are a cautionary tale for the rest of the world.

As much as it is an exploration of the film subjects´ courage and resistance, Democracy Noir is also a timely lesson on how the rise of autocratic politicians around the world, and an increasingly emboldened far right, pose dire consequences for us all. But amid these dark, new forms of authoritarianism, there is still vital resistance. Through the testimonies and actions of Timea, Babett and Niko, we see first-hand what it takes to try and win back democracy and precious freedoms.
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FILMGESPRÄCH

mit Elke Kahr (Bürgermeisterin), Joe Niedermayer (RosaLila PantherInnen), Lisa Rücker (Aktivistin, ehem. Politikerin), u.a. - darüber wie wir dem Rechtsruck entgegenwirken können und wie Graz eine Stadt der Menschenrechte und Solidarität werden kann, falls es auf Bundesebene in Richtung illiberaler Demokratie gehen sollte.