In 2025, defiance will be brought sharply into focus at the Göteborg Film Festival. Under the heading Focus: Disobedience, the power of civil resistance will be explored, as well as questions like: when does rebellion become a moral obligation? When can it go too far? And is the flouting of laws and regulations a reasonable price to pay for change in a democratic society?
"During the 48th Göteborg Film Festival, we will explore the concept of disobedience by showing contemporary films that explore the theme and highlighting their significance in society,”says Pia Lundberg, artistic director of the Göteborg Film Festival. “We look forward to discussing, problematizing, and mobilizing our defiance during the festival."
The 48th edition will take place from January 24 to February 2, 2025 in Göteborg, Sweden.
History is made up of acts of disobedience, both big and small, that started chain reactions of consequences. One man who said "no" when everyone else was saying "yes"; a woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus; a girl who started a school strike on Fridays, and another who kept going into class. In a world which has become characterized by increasing polarization, tendencies towards authoritarianism, and the climate crisis, unruliness has become a decisive factor on the global agenda.
In a world marked 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 lawful resistance can blur, as acts of resistance often require a certain degree of disobedience.
The history of cinema also contains countless stories of people who dared to break the rules, question authority, and stand up for their convictions: even when the risks in doing so were great. And film has always been a powerful medium through which we can challenge norms, question authority, and process the currents that shape society.
The festival’s poster has been created by Britta Marakatt-Labba, an artist who has herself been engaged with activism for a long time.
“I was born into a fight,” says Marakatt-Labba. “My artistry began in Alta in northern Norway, when we were demonstrating for the rights of the Samí people. I’ve always believed that being disobedient is the right thing to do when you are righting wrongs, and I’ll fight for these things for as long as I live. That’s why it feels great to collaborate with the Göteborg Film Festival.”
“Britta Marakatt-Labba is an inspiration for the festival’s theme. Her artistry and story are permeated by bravery and a struggle against injustice,” says Lundberg. “She has lived and breathed resistance and insubordination in a way that few others have, and her perspective and commitment give the festival’s focus a solid grounding in genuine struggle and civil courage.”