In light of current world events, the resistance will play a sharper role on the 48the Gothenburg Film Festival, which takes place from January 26 to February 4, 2025
Under the banner ‘Focus: Disobedience’, the festival will highlight themes of civil resistance and ask questions such as: ‘When does rebellion become a moral obligation? When can things go too far? And is ignoring laws and regulations a reasonable price for change in a democratic society?”
“We will explore the concept of disobedience by screening contemporary films that explore the theme and highlight their significance in society. We look forward to discussing, problematizing and mobilizing our resistance 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 been involved in activism. “I was born into a fight. My artistry started in Alta in Northern Norway, when we demonstrated for the rights of the Samí people. “I have always believed that disobedience is the right thing to do when righting wrongs, and I will fight for these things as long as I live,” she said.
Lundberg commented: “Britta Marakatt-Labba is an inspiration for the festival’s theme. Her artistry and story are imbued with courage and a fight against injustice. She has lived and breathed resistance and insubordination in a way that few others have, and her perspective and dedication give the festival’s focus a solid foundation in genuine struggle and civic courage.”
“In a world characterized 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 legitimate resistance can become blurred, as acts of resistance often require a certain degree of disobedience,” the festival said in its statement.
Four films recorded in Focus: Disobedience, all Swedish premieres
‘Little Jaffna,’ Lawrence Valin, France
A newly graduated police officer of Tamil descent infiltrates a Parisian gang in ‘Little Jaffna’ to prove he is a true Frenchman. The gang finances the Tamil Tigers’ resistance in Sri Lanka, which complicates his mission as he faces conflicts of loyalty with ex-leader Aya, accomplice Puvi, and his lineage.
‘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 companies, authorities and politicians. Suutari captures their strategic planning and protests and combines these moments with serene, meditative nature scenes, showing how they find solace and renewal in the forest. A politically urgent film that contrasts biodiversity and youthful idealism with generational differences, 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 midwife Nina who lives in a society where women’s rights are largely ignored and performs illegal abortions in her isolated rural clinic. Each patient is a silent act of rebellion. But as her inner demons manifest, a disturbing presence blurs the line between reality and illusion.
“No other country,” Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Palestine, Norway
‘No Other Land’, awarded Best Documentary at the Berlinale and nominated for Best Film at the European Film Awards, is about the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. Palestinian activist Basel Adra, who has documented the evictions and destruction in Masafer Yatta since his 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, shows their struggle for justice, using cameras as a tool of resistance.