The acclaimed documentary “Democracy Noir: A New Dawn” will premiere on Wednesday, October 7, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland. This one-night screening is free and open to the public. Audience members are invited to participate in the optional post-screening community discussion led by Hope College professors.

Democracy Noir, directed by Academy Award nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker Connie Field, follows three Hungarian women — an opposition politician, a journalist, and a nurse — as they resist the systematic dismantling of their country's democratic institutions under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Tracing events from Orbán's rise to power in 2010 through the grassroots protest movements of recent years, the film offers a firsthand look at how democratic systems can be eroded from within and what it takes to fight back.

The film, which is presented in Hungarian with subtitles, has been recognized at festivals including CPH:DOX, Sheffield DocFest, and the Boston Film Festival, and has been praised by critics for its nuanced, on-the-ground portrait of both resistance and everyday life in a changing democracy.

Following the screening, the audience will take part in a community discussion led by Hope College professors Dr. Janis Gibbs and Dr. Joel Toppen. They will offer context on Hungary's political trajectory and its broader relevance to democratic institutions around the world.

The screening, which is the premiere of the documentary in West Michigan, is co-sponsored by Saugatuck Douglas Area Indivisibles and Hope College Departments of History, Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies. This film is inspiring and intended to spark meaningful conversations about civic engagement, the resilience of democratic institutions, and the importance of community response to political change. 

Organizers recognize that October 7 carries an historical significance as the anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, and want to acknowledge this with care. The screening date is not connected with or intended to commemorate that event and organizers are mindful of the weight this date holds for many.

Advance registration is encouraged, but not required. Knickerbocker Theater is located
at 86 E. 8 th Street in Holland. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for this event. Learn more and
register at sdaindivisibles.org/events/democracy-noir-a-new-dawn.

# # # # # # #

ABOUT SDAI: Saugatuck Douglas Area Indivisibles is a nonpartisan organization
committed to hosting local programs that help defend our democracy and protect liberty
and justice for all. To get involved, or to learn more, visit sdaindivisibles.org.