Hashtag #SaveDemocracy: Films that stir emotions

Each year, the «Hashtag» section of the Zurich Film Festival highlights a social issue that influences public discourse on social media. The 21st Zurich Film Festival, which will take place from September 25 to October 5, 2025, will focus on the urgent topic of #SaveDemocracy. The festival will feature films and documentaries that encourage reflection on this issue. The section is presented by the NZZ.

Democracies around the world are under pressure. Political positions are becoming increasingly extreme, and the world is facing acute threats, such as authoritarian regimes that disregard the separation of powers and the gradual disappearance of diplomacy in favor of military initiatives. The loss of media freedom and transparency further weakens democracies. These developments preoccupy the world today. The films in the #SaveDemocracy section demonstrate how easily fragile systems can be destabilized and the belief in the political rights of adult citizens can be lost, highlighting the importance of vigilance. These are films by filmmakers who explore freedom, equality, and the future of humanity.

The complete program for the 21st Zurich Film Festival will be published on the website on Thursday, September 11, at 12 p.m. Ticket sales will begin Monday, September 15, 2025.

CASE 137 by Dominik Moll

Eine weibliche Polizeibeamtin in Uniform mit einer orangefarbenen POLIZEI-Armbinde steht im Freien und hält Dokumente in der Hand, umgeben von Kollegen und Vermessungsgeräten auf einer städtischen Straße.

Initially, Case 137 appears to be a routine investigation for internal investigator Stéphanie (Léa Drucker) – a man is seriously injured by a rubber bullet fired by the police at a demonstration in Paris, prompting his family to accuse the special unit liable for the incident. However, the deeper Stéphanie delves into the case, the more contradictory the statements appear, causing her to question the mechanisms of the democratic legal system. This gripping thriller, inspired by the yellow vests movement, tells a powerful story on how easily legal systems can falter.

MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN by David Borenstein and Pavel Ilyich Talankin

Ein Mann in einem rosa Pullover und mit Brille hält lächelnd eine Kamera in die Höhe. Hinter ihm hängt ein gerahmtes Porträt von Wladimir Putin an einer Wand mit gemusterter Tapete.

Creative and charismatic Pasha is a popular teacher responsible for filming all the school events in his hometown. When Russia launches its war of aggression against Ukraine, classrooms across Russia are transformed into stages for the state’s war propaganda. Instead of nurturing children’s curiosity and free thinking, the curriculum is suddenly dominated by patriotic slogans and militarism. When some of his students are called up for military service, Pasha wonders what he should do and decides to continue filming with a hidden camera. MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN documents his courageous act of silent resistance.

ANIMAL FARM by Andy Serkis

Eine Gruppe von Bauernhoftieren, darunter Kühe, ein Schwein, eine Ziege und andere, sitzt in der Abenddämmerung auf einem Hügel und blickt auf den Sternenhimmel und den leuchtenden Horizont. Die Szene ist friedlich und von der Dämmerung erhellt.

One night, the animals on Mr. Jones's farm gather in the barn. Fed up with being treated poorly, they plan to mount a rebellion. Their uprising succeeds, and they take over the farm. However, what begins as a utopian community soon turns into a system of new injustices. Andy Serkis directs this animated adaptation of George Orwell's classic «Animal Farm». Set in the present day, the film features the voices of well-known actors such as Seth Rogen, Kieran Culkin, and Woody Harrelson, among others. It explores complex themes of corruption and abuse of power in an accessible and engaging way.

THE SIX BILLION DOLLAR MAN by Eugene Jarecki

Eine Person mit heller Haut und glattem, weißblondem Haar, die einen dunklen Anzug und eine Krawatte trägt, sitzt in einem Innenraum an einem Tisch und blickt mit neutraler Miene leicht nach rechts.

In a world where the truth is under attack from all sides, being a journalist has never been as dangerous as it is today. Crafted like a thriller, this documentary recounts the story of Julian Assange, whose recent release from prison has reignited the global debate on freedom of the press. Using unique access to WikiLeaks archives, previously unpublished footage and evidence, THE SIX BILLION DOLLAR MAN explores how far whistleblowers and journalists should go to expose wrongdoings, even if that entails violating confidentiality obligations.

BEFORE THE BRIGHT DAY by Shih-Han Tsao

Zwei Teenager in Schuluniformen gehen in Hockstellung mit nach vorne gestreckten Armen vor einer schlichten Wand unter dem Porträt eines ernst dreinblickenden Mannes im Anzug.

Taiwan, 1996: China's missile test close to the border plunges the country into uncertainty. Amidst it all is Chou, a sensitive teenager searching for his place in the world. His family suffers as well, as his father's investments fail, putting them under financial pressure. To support his family, Chou starts secretly working in a billiards hall, where he soon joins a gang. Looking through Chou's eyes, director Shih-Han Tsao shows how Taiwan's turbulent 1990s shaped the lives of individuals. This is an intimate coming-of-age story about family, first love, and the path to independence.

FACING WAR by Tommy Gulliksen

Drei Männer stehen in einem Haus und führen ein ernstes Gespräch; ein Mann im Anzug gestikuliert mit dem Finger, während die beiden anderen, dunkler gekleideten Männer aufmerksam zuhören.

Jens Stoltenberg had promised his wife that he would step down as NATO chief, but then, amidst one of the most challenging periods since the Cold War, U.S. President Joe Biden asks him to stay on. Director Tommy Gulliksen accompanies Stoltenberg throughout his final year in office, observing him at crisis meetings, on phone calls, and during state visits. To keep NATO together, it is imperative for Stoltenberg to strike the right tone between friendly courtesies, diplomatic gestures, and necessary toughness. This important documentary gives audiences a peek behind doors that usually remain closed, offering a glimpse into diplomacy in war time.

VOICE OF MY PEOPLE by Lorenzo Oschwald, Ansgar Wörner and Nico Gerspacher

Ein Mann in einer blauen Jacke sitzt lächelnd mit erhobenen Fäusten in einer hell erleuchteten Halle, umgeben von einer jubelnden und klatschenden Menge.

Social Democratic Party (SP) politician Islam Alijaj is physically disabled and has a severe speech impediment. When he got elected to the Zurich City Council, despite a low ranking on his party’s electoral list, it was a minor miracle. He went on to aim for a greater goal – a seat on Switzerland’s National Council. History repeated itself when, with the support of many, he once again achieved the seemingly impossible. Made with the help of crowdfunding, VOICE OF MY PEOPLE tells the story of a unique campaign. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at election campaigns in Switzerland and raises questions on what representation should mean in a democracy.

THE LIBRARIANS by Kim A. Snyder

Eine Frau mit Brille und einer blaugrünen Tasche blickt durch die Glastür des Büros eines Bibliothekars in einer Bibliothek, wobei rechts Bücherregale zu sehen sind.

An increasing number of books on topics like diversity and inclusion are getting banned in the USA. Amidst this unprecedented wave of book bans sweeping through Texas, Florida, and other states, a group of school librarians fights censorship to ensure children and young people have free access to knowledge. In the face of harassment and threats, they form a solidarity network and do everything in their power to send out an important message. The documentary THE LIBRARIANS movingly portrays the emergence of libraries as an unexpected frontier in the fight for democracy and freedom of information.

SHORTFILMS #SAVEDEMOCRACY curated by Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur

Fünf vertikale Tafeln zeigen: eine schwarz-weiße Straßenszene mit einer Person, die zu Fuß unterwegs ist, polierte Holzdielen, einen Chor, der in einem Innenraum singt, eine Person auf einem roten Motorrad an einem Fluss und eine Nahaufnahme des Gesichts eines Mannes bei schwachem Licht.

Voting, contradicting, having a say. Democracy thrives on exchange, debate and participation. It is not to be taken for granted, but a promise to be honored over and over again, day in and day out. Free elections, freedom of speech, the rule of law, and the protection of minorities are cornerstones of its foundation. This short films program is dedicated to the political and personal spaces in which democracy comes to life: in resistance, in debate, in the courage to participate. Here is cinema that questions, challenges, and reminds us of what truly matters. (Curated by Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur)