### European Filmmakers Rally Against Far-Right Politics Amid Second Trump Term

In 2016, soon after Donald Trump's initial election victory, the European Film Awards sent a strong political message with a satirical cold open. Polish director Agnieszka Holland portrayed the U.S. President from a mock Oval Office, asserting that they had seized the White House to restore democracy and tolerance. Fast-forward to the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election, and European filmmakers and institutions are once more gearing up to champion progressive values as Trump secures a second term.

Matthijs Wouter Knol, CEO of the European Film Academy (EFA), expressed the urgency of this moment. Comparing Europe to other parts of the world, he noted that democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech remain highly valued on the continent. Knol expects that the talent attending this year's European Film Awards in Lucerne, Switzerland on December 7, will vocally oppose Trump and far-right ideologies.

British documentarian Havana Marking, known for her work "Undercover: Exposing the Far Right", echoed this sentiment, stressing that the current political climate underscores the importance of politically charged films. In a similar vein, the Göteborg Film Festival in Sweden, scheduled for January 24 to February 2, 2025, plans to spotlight themes of civil resistance and disobedience. The festival will feature films addressing contentious issues such as abortion rights, climate change, and critiques of the Israeli occupation in the West Bank.

Pia Lundberg, the artistic director for the Göteborg festival, emphasized the role of bravery and resistance amidst rising authoritarianism. She highlighted that a dose of civil disobedience is often necessary to confront such challenges.

There are growing concerns that Trump's re-election could stifle the production and distribution of progressive films in the U.S. Marking mentioned the difficulties in finding an American buyer for "Undercover: Exposing the Far Right", noting that the post-election environment makes it seem unlikely. However, there is optimism that Europe can serve as a sanctuary for progressive cinema.

"The Apprentice," a drama critical of Trump starring Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, exemplifies this trend. Despite initial backing from a Trump-supporting American investor, who later withdrew due to objections over the film's portrayal of Trump, the movie found its footing with support from Danish and Irish sources. Danish-Iranian director Ali Abbasi also played a crucial role in its creation.

While European support for progressive American cinema appears promising, Marking warns of an internal authoritarian shift that could jeopardize this refuge. Europe's film industry heavily relies on state subsidies, and the rise of right-wing governments across the continent is causing concern. Right-wing parties hold significant power in countries like Italy, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, and Serbia, and the Netherlands recently saw its most right-leaning government sworn in.

"Undercover: Exposing the Far Right" premiered at the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) amidst these turbulent times. While the IDFA has been supportive, Marking fears for the smaller festivals reliant on state funding, which may face cuts from right-leaning governments.

As European filmmakers and cultural institutions brace themselves as the resistance against Trump's administration, they are compelled to first address the creeping far-right sentiments at home. The battle for "democracy and tolerance" may need to start within their borders before they can influence the broader world stage.