Defiance Takes Center Stage at the 48th Göteborg Film Festival
In response to the ongoing global events, the 48th Göteborg Film Festival, scheduled to run from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4, 2025, will be a platform to highlight defiance.
Themed “Focus: Disobedience,” the festival seeks to underscore the importance of civil resistance. It will pose thought-provoking questions such as, “When is rebellion morally justified? When does it cross the line? And is it justifiable to disregard laws and regulations in pursuit of change in a democratic society?”
“Our aim is to delve into the idea of disobedience by showcasing contemporary films that tackle the subject, thereby emphasizing their societal significance. We are eager to provoke discussions, problematize, and rally our defiance during the festival,” expressed Pia Lundberg, the festival’s artistic director.
This year’s festival poster was designed by artist Britta Marakatt-Labba, a long-time activist. “I was born into a struggle. My artistic journey began in Alta, northern Norway, where we held demonstrations for the rights of the Samí people. I firmly believe that disobedience is the right course of action when correcting injustices, and I will continue to fight for these causes for as long as I live,” she stated.
Lundberg added, “Britta Marakatt-Labba’s life and work inspire the festival’s theme. Her artistry and narrative are infused with courage and a fight against injustice. She has experienced resistance and defiance in ways few others have, and her perspective and dedication provide a solid foundation for the festival’s focus on genuine struggle and civil bravery.”
In today’s world, marked by growing polarization, authoritarian tendencies, and a climate crisis, civil resistance has become a vital factor in global discussions. In this context, the line between protest and lawful resistance can become blurred, as acts of resistance often necessitate a certain degree of disobedience,” the festival declared in its statement.
Focus: Disobedience – Spotlighting Four Swedish Premieres
Here’s a look at four films included in the Focus: Disobedience section, all slated for their Swedish premieres:
“Little Jaffna,” Lawrence Valin, France
In “Little Jaffna,” a new police officer of Tamil origin infiltrates a Parisian gang to prove his French allegiance. The gang funds the Tamil Tigers’ resistance in Sri Lanka, complicating his mission as he navigates loyalty conflicts with ex-leader Aya, henchman Puvi, and his heritage.
“Once Upon a Time in a Forest,” Virpi Suutari, Finland
This documentary follows the activist couple Ida and Minka, whose deep love for the forest drives their involvement with Extinction Rebellion. Suutari captures their strategic planning and protests, blending these moments with serene, meditative scenes of nature, illustrating how they find solace and rejuvenation in the forest.
“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 a film 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. This film, made by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, showcases their fight for justice using cameras as tools of resistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 48th Göteborg Film Festival promises to be a platform for defiance, rebellion, and civil disobedience. With a selection of films from around the world, it aims to explore the boundaries of rebellion and the moral implications that arise when laws and regulations are flouted in the name of change. As society grapples with increasing polarization, authoritarian tendencies, and a looming climate crisis, the festival’s focus on disobedience serves as a timely and compelling highlight of these issues.
FAQs
When is the 48th Göteborg Film Festival scheduled?
The festival will run from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4, 2025.
What is the theme for this year’s festival?
The theme for this year’s festival is “Focus: Disobedience.”
Who designed this year’s festival poster?
The festival poster was designed by artist and activist Britta Marakatt-Labba.
What is the significance of the Focus: Disobedience section?
Focus: Disobedience is a section of the festival highlighting films that explore the theme of civil resistance and disobedience in their narratives.
Credit: variety.com
