Democracy Noir
Film screening and conversation with award-winning director Connie Field

As Viktor Orbán dismantles Hungary’s democratic institutions, three women—a journalist, a politician, and a nurse—work tirelessly to for their country’s soul. An inspiring portrait of resistance and a chilling mirror image of the current crisis of democracy in the US.

Democracy Noir provides a sweeping account of one of the most consequential regimes of this century. It paints an incisive portrait of how Viktor Orbán used a free and democratic election to install authoritarian rule in Hungary, enjoying widespread approval from Hungarian nationalists as well as global conservative neighbors inclined to his illiberal views. He 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, Orban’s influence helped shape Project 2025 and the current policies of the Republic Party. The film is a timely lesson on how the rise of autocratic politicians around the world, and an increasingly emboldened far right politic, pose dire consequences for us all.

On the heels of striking opening shots of the Danube and Budapest, the moral of the tale becomes clear. This is not just about the politics ofa smallish east-central European country. It has universal resonance and urgent relevance. ~ Guardian

A Hungarian tale that rings poignantly in the American ear. ~ Roger & Ebert

This program is supported in part by our Program Sponsors Orchard Nursery and Friends of the Lafayette Library.

Democracy Noir

Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation