Democracy Noir

As Viktor Orbán dismantles Hungary’s democratic institutions, three women—a journalist, a politician, and a nurse—work tirelessly to fight for their country’s soul. A chilling expose of far-right nationalism and an inspirational beacon of resistance.

Fact award Nominee CPH:DOX, Tim Hetherington Award Nominee, Sheffield, Best Documentary and impact award, Boston Film Festival.

Proceeds To Benefit INDIVISIBLE SF

Oscar®-nominated / Emmy Award-winning director Connie Field in conversation with Indivisible SF Steering Committee member, Peter Hosey after the 3/12 show!

“”What does Trump’s America have in common with Hungary” – Bob Strauss, SF Chronicle
“Field is careful not to slip into sloganeering and preaching to the choir. The film is most effective as a foreshadowing of the future we are heading toward in our own country with shocking parallels between Trump’s statements and actions and Orbán’s.“- Michael Fox, KQED

Amidst the brazen rise of 21st century authoritarianism, few politicians have proven as corrupt and adept at undermining democracy as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He used a free and democratic election to install authoritarian rule in Hungary and subsequentially changed the constitution, took over the courts, dismantled the rule of law, and took over the media. Revered by Donald Trump and the Heritage Foundation, Orbán’s influence helped shape Project 2025, the goals of the Republic Party, and the policies of the Trump Administration.

Democracy Noir follows three courageous women – opposition politician Timea, journalist Babett, and nurse Niko – who fight relentlessly to expose the lies and corruption embedded in Orbán’s government. Through our protagonists’ protests and dissent, the film’s director, Oscar-nominee Connie Field, provides a deeper portrait of how Orbán has, over the past decade, systematically destabilized the country’s democratic institutions for economic gain. With each step Orbán makes towards autocracy, these women – representing many in Hungary – trail close behind in their fight, organizing and exploring innovative ways to take on one of the West’s most powerful, and seemingly unstoppable, demagogues.

But amid this dark, new form of authoritarianism, there is still vital resistance. Through the testimonies and actions of Timea, Babett and Niko, we see first-hand what it takes to try and win back democracy and precious freedoms.

About Director Connie Field, Clarity Films
Academy Award nominated and Emmy winning director Connie Field has made a number of high profile documentaries that have been shown all over the world. Some of her work includes: Have You Heard From Johannesburg seven part series on the global movement that ended Apartheid in South Africa, (Prime Time Emmy, Best Documentary Series, IDA & Gold Hugo); Freedom on My Mind, a history of the civil rights movement in Mississippi (Academy Award nominee, Sundance Grand Jury Prize); Forever Activist(Academy Award Nominee); the feminist classic, The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter (15 international awards best documentary); ¡Salud! on Cuba’s role in the struggle for global health equity (Council on Foundations Henry Hampton Award); and Al Helm: Martin Luther King in Palestine’ (Justice Matters Award); The Whistleblower of My Lia (KPBS GI Fest, Best Documentary Nominee). Oliver Tambo (Pan African Film Festival Best Documentary). Her work has been broadcast in over 30 countries and in the US on Independent Lens and The American Experience. She is the recipient of a John Simon Guggenheim grant, as well as numerous grants from the Ford Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities (and Arts), and the MacArthur Foundation and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences, as well as the Television Academy.

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