October 19th 2024.
The team behind the groundbreaking documentary Undercover: Exposing the Far Right has recently expressed their disappointment after the last-minute decision to cut the film from the London Film Festival. The film, directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Havana Marking, follows the efforts of activists from advocacy group Hope Not Hate as they infiltrate far-right networks in the UK and Europe, uncovering a dangerous "race science" movement funded by US donors. The documentary was set to premiere at the festival, but was shelved just days before its scheduled screening due to concerns about potential disruptions and harm to staff and audience members.
Kristy Matheson, head of the BFI London Film Festival, released a statement explaining the difficult decision to pull the film. She described it as "heartbreaking" and expressed her admiration for the film and its important message. However, the safety and well-being of festival workers was the top priority, and after careful consideration and consultation with experts, it was determined that the risks were too great to proceed with the screening.
Marking, best known for her award-winning documentary Afghan Star, also shared her disappointment with the Observer. While she understood the need to prioritize the safety of festival staff, she couldn't help but feel frustrated by the last-minute cancellation after two years of hard work on the film. She also expressed her belief that the power of the far-right is often exaggerated, but their influence is still a dangerous force. Despite efforts to find alternative ways to screen the film at the festival, they were unsuccessful and the filmmakers were left feeling dismayed.
In addition to its scheduled airing on Channel 4 on October 21, the documentary will also be screened at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam on November 19. Marking expressed her gratitude for the support of both Channel 4 and the British Film Institute, who have been instrumental in bringing the film to audiences.
Nick Lowes, CEO of Hope Not Hate, also shared his disappointment in the cancellation, as it means the important work of his organization will not reach as wide an audience as hoped. The film shines a light on the dangerous nature of the far-right and the work of Hope Not Hate in exposing and combatting it. Safety is always a top priority, but Lowes expressed his belief that now, more than ever, it is crucial to expose the true nature of the far-right and its connections to powerful individuals such as multimillionaire Andrew Conru.
Despite the disappointment and setbacks, the team behind Undercover: Exposing the Far Right remains dedicated to their mission of shedding light on the dangerous and often overlooked world of the far-right. They hope that through the film's airing on Channel 4 and its screening at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, they can still reach a wide audience and spark important conversations about this pressing issue. The Metro has reached out to all involved parties for further comment. If you have a story to share, please contact the entertainment team via email, phone, or the Submit Stuff page. They would love to hear from you.
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