Thematic series 2024: DOK.focus DEMOCRAZY

Is the democratic system resilient enough? The films in this year's focus series shed light on the often dramatic political developments in five European countries and provide deep insights, from the highest state level to the social microcosm: in Hungary, the rule of law and democratic principles are being successively pushed back, Russia has long since strayed from the path to democratisation and has become a brutal autocracy. In Austria, Norway and Germany, there is a more or less open conflict over populist tendencies.

Festival director Daniel Sponsel: „The great value of democracy lies in its ability to represent the interests of many population groups and enable them to flourish, including the anti-democratic activities of its enemies. A dilemma: these forces are growing and using this systematic openness to undermine the foundations of democracy. Is the democractic system resilient enough?“

The films

DEMOCRACY NOIR
Germany/Denmark/Hungary/USA 2024, Connie Field, 116 min.

“Our only hope is the EU,” says Tímea Szabó, who has been fighting against the Orbán system for years. Though it is also the EU that has sent money to Hungary, knowing full well how blatantly the democratic structures are being eroded there. The film portrays three women fighting against the autocrat – in their country and, with it, the whole of Europe because Orbán serves as a prime example for others.

FRAGMENTE AUS DER PROVINZ
Germany 2024, Martin Weinhart, 84 min.

“We are colourful, we are diverse and committed – but all you ever read in the headlines is: the Nazi village.” This film does things differently. It takes us into the everday life of an existential struggle for power, freedom, and public reporting. A film about neo-Nazi strategies and East German counter-movements that show us how to resist the right-wing extremist threat.

NORWEGIAN DEMOCRAZY
Norway 2024, Bård Kjøge Rønning, 87 min.

The appearance of the SIAN (Stop the Islamization of Norway) organisation on the streets of Norway puts the ideals of freedom of expression and democratic dialogue to the test. The right-wing camp and their opponents are irreconcilably opposed – leading to violence. Where do you draw the line between legitimate debate and dangerous extremism?

OF CARAVAN AND THE DOGS
Germany 2024, Askold Kurov, 90 min.

“The first casualty of war is the truth.” This also applies to Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In the weeks before and after 24th February 2022, the Russian media landscape was radically reconstructed. As the clock counts down, Askold Kurov documents the increasing repression of the press. New laws prompt some to censor themselves, strengthen the courage of others and lead some towards exile.

PROJEKT BALLHAUSPLATZ. AUFSTIEG UND FALL DES SEBASTIAN KURZ
Austria 2023, Kurt Langbein, 101 min.

He entered the political arena with great plans and risqué ideas. Edgy and non-conformist, Sebastian Kurz wanted to show that “politics does not always have to be deadly serious and that it can also be fun.” An exceptional career followed with an inglorious end. Langbein’s film presents 13 years of political history, a rogue act and fragments of rehabilitation. A reckoning with the Kurz era.

DOK.focus DEMOCRAZY at the festival

The films in the DOK.focus series will be presented as part of the 39th DOK.fest München in May 2024:

2 to 12 May at the Munich venues
6 to 20 May @home