Eden Court Film Series Challenges Fascism Through Cinema

A new film season at Eden Court in Inverness is set to challenge rising authoritarianism and hate through a series of screenings and events. The Cinema Against Fascism season will run from September to November 2023, showcasing a diverse selection of classic films and contemporary documentaries that address themes such as resistance, identity, migration, and justice.

The program features notable films depicting fascism in Italy, narratives set in 1930s Berlin, and impactful documentaries that examine the militarisation of youth. Each screening will be accompanied by guest speakers and panel discussions aimed at fostering meaningful conversations surrounding these pressing issues.

This initiative is part of the broader project, Our Freedom: Then and Now, which commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day. It receives support from Arts Council England, reflecting a nationwide effort to engage audiences with historical and contemporary perspectives on freedom.

Eden Court is also inviting Highland poets to reflect on the question, “What does freedom mean to you?” Selected poets will create and perform commissioned pieces that will be integrated into the film screenings, enhancing the overall experience. According to Susannah Armitage, senior producer at Eden Court, this pairing of poetry with cinema aims to connect local voices to global conversations.

“This is a season about voices — the ones silenced and the ones rising,” stated Paul MacDonald-Taylor, head of film at Eden Court. The series seeks to honour both historical narratives and the individuals who are actively working towards a more liberated future.

The full programme, along with the poetry brief, is available for public viewing, inviting community engagement and participation in this important dialogue. The Cinema Against Fascism season promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the significance of freedom in today’s society.