In the light of current world events, defiance will be in sharp relief at the 48th Göteborg Film Festival, which runs Jan. 26 – Feb. 4, 2025
Under the banner “Focus: Disobedience,” the festival will highlight themes of civil resistance and pose such questions as: “When does rebellion become a moral obligation? When can it go too far? And is the flouting of laws and regulations a reasonable price to pay for change in a democratic society?”
“We will explore the concept of disobedience by showing contemporary films that explore the theme, and highlighting their significance in society. We look forward to discussing, problematizing, and mobilizing our defiance during the festival,” said Pia Lundberg, artistic director of the festival.
The annual event’s poster was created for this edition by artist Britta Marakatt-Labba, who has long engaged in activism. “I was born into a fight. My artistry began in Alta in northern Norway, when we were demonstrating for the rights of the Samí people. I’ve always believed that being disobedient is the right thing to do when you are righting wrongs, and I’ll fight for these things for as long as I live,” she said.
Lundberg noted: “Britta Marakatt-Labba is an inspiration for the festival’s theme. Her artistry and story are permeated by bravery and a struggle against injustice. She has lived and breathed resistance and insubordination in a way that few others have, and her perspective and commitment give the festival’s focus a solid grounding in genuine struggle and civil courage.”
“In a world marked by increasing polarization, authoritarian tendencies, and climate crisis, civil resistance has become a crucial factor in the global conversation. In this context, the line between protest and lawful resistance can blur, as acts of resistance often require a certain degree of disobedience,” the festival declared in its statement.
Four films included in Focus: Disobedience, all Swedish premieres
“Little Jaffna,” Lawrence Valin, France
A newly graduated police officer of Tamil origin infiltrates a Paris gang in “Little Jaffna” to prove himself a true Frenchman. The gang funds the Tamil Tigers’ resistance in Sri Lanka, complicating his mission as he faces loyalty conflicts with ex-leader Aya, henchman Puvi, and his heritage.
“Once Upon a Time in a Forest,” Virpi Suutari, Finland
Documentary follows couple Ida and Minka whose deep love for the forest fuels their activism with Extinction Rebellion, challenging corporations, authorities and politicians. Suutari captures their strategic planning and protests, blending these moments with serene, meditative scenes of nature, showing how they find solace and renewal in the forest. A politically urgent film that contrasts biodiversity and youthful idealism with generational divides, toxic masculinity and capitalist dominance.
“April,” Dea Kulumbegashvili, Georgia, France, Italy
A follow-up to Kulumbegashvili’s 2021 San Sebastian Golden Shell winner “Beginning,” “April” follows obstetrician Nina who lives in a society where women’s rights are largely ignored, performing illegal abortions in her isolated rural clinic. Each patient is a quiet act of rebellion. But as her inner demons manifest, an unsettling presence blurs the boundary between reality and illusion.
“No Other Land,” Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Palestine, Norway
Awarded Best Documentary at the Berlinale and nominated Best Film at the European Film Awards, “No Other Land” is about the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. Palestinian activist Basel Adra, who has documented evictions and destruction in Masafer Yatta since childhood, forms an alliance with Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham. Their friendship highlights the stark contrast between Basel’s life under occupation and Yuval’s freedom. Film, made by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, showcases their fight for justice using cameras as tools of resistance.
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