As a journalist with extensive experience in investigating extremism and hate groups, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments expressed in this article. The courage demonstrated by the individuals featured in the film is truly inspiring, and it’s a testament to their moral fortitude that they are willing to shine a light on the dark corners of society where these ideologies fester.
The undercover investigation, titled “Exposing the Far Right,” which delves into the activities of the British anti-extremist group Hope Not Hate, is set to make its festival debut at the 2024 International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IFDA), showcased in the Frontlight section.
As a gamer, I was all set to watch Havana Marking’s documentary, scheduled for the BFI London Film Festival last month, which unveiled the activities of a U.K. extreme right network propagating “race science” and their financial support from Silicon Valley investor Andrew Conru. However, it was unexpectedly removed from the lineup. The LFF mentioned safety issues for both the audience and staff as the reason. Rumors circulated about potential retaliation from the far-right groups featured in the movie.
According to Director Marking, it was extremely disheartening. The anticipation of dread preceded any actual events, with no real danger present; only the fear that something could potentially occur. As the far-right becomes increasingly bold, such incidents will likely become more frequent, causing people to grow progressively uneasy.
Over the past two years, I’ve been deeply immersed in the world of Undercover, a film that follows Hope Not Hate activists as they delve into far-right movements. This gripping documentary sheds light on how these extremist groups use a chilling mix of violence and advanced social media tactics to promote their pseudoscientific views of racial supremacy.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter before the premiere of Undercover at IFDA, Marking expressed concern that the increasing power of far-right political parties, both in the U.S. and Europe, could hinder the production and distribution of documentaries like hers in the future. She stated that public service broadcasters are becoming increasingly cautious and concerned about upsetting those in power, as they fear losing their funding if they do so.
Since Donald Trump won the U.S. elections, how has the public response towards your movie evolved or shifted?
The question you’ve asked is particularly intriguing due to our ongoing efforts to showcase our film in American film festivals and secure an American buyer. However, the outlook on this matter has drastically shifted [since the election], making it seem highly improbable that we will now find a sale in the United States. This sentiment has been lingering for quite some time, dating back to the initial Trump administration. Public broadcasters, in an effort to avoid offending whoever’s in power and risk losing funding, tend to be more cautious about taking risks.
Is there a significant contrast between Europe and the U.S., particularly regarding their approach to certain issues, given that some European festivals are increasingly portraying an image of “political opposition” to Trump and right-wing extremists?
Absolutely, there’s a sense of urgency about it, and it’s truly invigorating. There seems to be a renewed emphasis on the significance of political films, especially in these times. However, the situation with European film festivals can vary greatly, depending on their sources of funding. I’ve heard, informally, that some smaller festivals in Eastern Germany, where far-right parties hold power in local governance, are growing more apprehensive. It’s a complex scenario, as it appears to be influenced by multiple factors. We’re debuting Undercover at IDFA, and despite the current far-right government in The Netherlands, IDFA has been encouraging about our film and eager to screen it, feeling that it’s crucial in the present climate they find themselves in.
Your film was set to premiere in London but it got pulled at the last minute…
As a gamer, I’ve found myself in a challenging scenario where our game was backed by the BFI and Doc Society, receiving tremendous support along the way. However, the London Game Festival decided against hosting us due to safety concerns, a decision that left me feeling incredibly disheartened. It felt like an unfounded fear before any issues even arose. There was no imminent danger, merely the specter of potential trouble. With the far-right movement gaining momentum, such situations are likely to become more frequent, and people will grow increasingly anxious.
At other film festivals, films have been withdrawn due to concerns about protests or disruption. Could this lead to a more cautious approach being taken towards the selection of certain film topics, potentially amounting to a form of pre-censorship aimed at avoiding any possibility of violence? Is there a risk that such a policy might be implemented here?
Our main concern about LFF was that this incident might cause them to shy away from selecting movies like ours in the future. Unlike IDFA or Sheffield documentary festivals, which are primarily focused on documentaries and are accustomed to handling political content and sensitive situations, LFF is more star-studded and glamorous. This situation caught them off guard, and they seemed unsure of how to handle it. I hope that in the future, they can learn from this experience and establish guidelines to ensure such films aren’t overlooked or suppressed.
Your film had real-world consequences. Andrew Conru pulled his funding of the Human Diversity Foundation, and Tommy Robinson landed in jail. But with the success of the far-right in elections, do you think naming and shaming can still have the same impact? We now have the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, openly supporting Donald Trump, spouting far-right talking points and seemingly un-shameable.
Absolutely, this subject is intriguing yet alarming. A notable aspect of the far-right groups is their use of coded language. Figures like Tommy Robinson are clever in that they maintain a public facade while keeping their true beliefs hidden. Elon Musk has taken a clear political stance, but he continues to assert he’s not racist. Our film and journalism aim to unmask many individuals who present themselves as “just patriots” or “just scientists.” We strip away these pretenses to reveal the real opinions concealed behind them. The journalist in our film, Harry Shukman, manages to capture this on hidden camera. There’s no denying it, no manipulation, and no accusations of bias – they spoke their minds openly.
Trump’s statements in the film bear a striking resemblance to his own words, including remarks about Kamala Harris having a low IQ, discussing the nation’s genetics, and suggesting poisoning – these are clear references to eugenics that many people outside of his inner circle might not grasp. These are subtle coded messages that journalists should now work hard to decipher and reveal the true thoughts hiding behind those closed doors. Our role is essentially to uncover the truth.
Through the process of creating this movie, my personal moral strength has been significantly bolstered. The topic at hand presents a clear ethical standpoint, and I believe that one cannot remain impartial towards racism. Similarly, it’s impossible to maintain neutrality when dealing with Islamophobia or antisemitism. The bravery exhibited by the individuals in our film serves as a reflection of the moral courage we should be advocating for within our institutions, film festivals, and funders. Now is not the time for hesitation; it’s a moment for action.
The response to our movie has been phenomenal! We’ve received a perfect five-star rating from both The Guardian, which leans left, and The Telegraph, known for its conservative leanings. The audience’s reaction and involvement have truly surprised us all. Even the funders are feeling apprehensive, but the viewers are bolder than ever, eager to experience this content.
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2024-11-20 12:55