This is how democracy dies.
When a fish lacks oxygen in the water, it begins to panic, breathing rapidly and swimming toward the surface in search of relief. As the deprivation continues, its movements slow, and it becomes disoriented, drifting aimlessly as its body struggles to cope. The buildup of carbon dioxide and lactic acid disrupts its internal balance, leading to organ failure. Eventually, the fish suffocates, its life extinguished by the very water that once sustained it.
This is how democracy dies too—slowly, as the essential freedoms and diversity that sustain it are choked off, until collapse becomes inevitable.
Read more
This is the state of democracy today—a slow, suffocating decline that many fail to see until it is too late. Across Europe and the world, the pillars of free expression, cultural diversity, and democratic values are being chipped away, piece by piece. What was once unshakable now feels fragile.
In Hungary and Poland, governments are tightening their grip on cultural institutions, silencing dissenting voices and reshaping the narrative to fit their ideologies. In Germany and Austria, filmmakers face boycotts, hate campaigns, and threats for daring to confront nationalism, racism, or historical truths. Even in countries with strong democratic traditions, the rise of populism and extremism is poisoning the well of public discourse. The water is becoming unbreathable.
And what happens if we do nothing? What happens if we let this continue? Imagine a world where filmmakers no longer dare to tell the stories that matter. Where art is reduced to propaganda, and diversity is replaced by a single, suffocating narrative. Imagine a world where the next generation grows up without the tools to question, to reflect, to resist. This is not a distant dystopia—it is a very real possibility.
European Filmmakers for Democracy should exist because we cannot afford to wait. This is not about progress; it is about preservation. It is about holding onto the fragile, vital freedoms that allow us to create, to speak, to breathe. Democracy is not guaranteed—it is a choice we must make every day. And if we fail to act, we will drown in the silence of what we have lost.
Like fish in water, we often fail to notice what surrounds us—until it begins to disappear. Democracy, freedom of expression, and cultural diversity are the water in which we, as filmmakers, live and create. But this water is growing murkier. Right-wing extremism, censorship, and ideological interference are spreading—not just in Europe, but across the globe. The freedom to tell stories that challenge, connect, and inspire is under threat.
Now is the time to fight. For democracy. For freedom. For the stories that must be told. Because without water—without art, without truth—there is no life.
“This is Water. This is Film. This is Democracy.”
There are these two young fish swimming along, and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, ‘Morning, boys. How’s the water?’ And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes, ‘What the hell is water?’”
David Foster Wallace
“This is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life” Speech at Kenyon College, 21 May 2005.
Published by: Little, Brown and Company, 2009.
Join us!
Our Mission
We are in favour of strengthening an open and democratic community and refuse to cooperate with right-wing extremist parties and actors.
Democracy is vulnerable. We believe that only a shared awareness of its vulnerability and a visible stance can protect it. Our alliance therefore observes the influence and attacks of right-wing extremist parties and movements on film and media culture in order to develop solidarity and action strategies as well as further training programmes for industry representatives.
We position ourselves in solidarity with those affected by discrimination within the industry and question discriminatory and racist structures in our own organisations. One of the alliance’s long-term goals is to set up a contact point for those affected by right-wing extremist and racist attacks within the film and media industry.
Read more
Democracy thrives on the pillars of artistic freedom, cultural expression, and open discourse. Europe’s dedication to cultural diversity is vividly reflected in its films, which foster empathy, inspire audiences, and present a vision of a better, more inclusive future. This responsibility is increasingly critical as Europe confronts a surge in right-wing extremism and divisive ideologies.
The rapid digital transformation of society has created a global crisis of trust. This unprecedented shift has left many unsettled, seeking simplistic solutions to complex problems. Fear, often expressed through xenophobia, racism, and exclusion, undermines the foundations of our democracies. Political leadership has often failed to offer adequate guidance or reassurance, leaving a vacuum filled by destructive populist narratives.
Filmmakers, with their unique ability to shape perceptions, have a crucial role in countering these trends. By telling stories that promote understanding, trust, and inclusivity, we can reinforce democratic values. At a time when emerging technologies like AI threaten to distort truth and amplify misinformation, filmmakers must provide authentic, impactful narratives that encourage critical engagement and hope.
The film industry cannot remain abstract or detached. Beyond entertainment, it is a powerful cultural asset that combines education and pleasure. Protecting the freedom of this medium is essential, and with it comes the responsibility to use its potential wisely. Through our work, we aim to address societal divisions and counter the appeal of populist ideologies by presenting nuanced, inclusive, and hopeful perspectives.
Cinema’s role is not only to warn of current threats but to address their roots. By inspiring younger generations and fostering active democratic engagement, we can demonstrate that democracy is not guaranteed—it must be actively nurtured and defended.
The impact of images and sounds as a unifying force for European cohesion—an indispensable international community of values, now more than ever!
Roadmap
Join us and support our development into a Europe-wide organization.
Getting Connected
Building a Community:
It all starts with people. We need to connect, exchange ideas, and inform one another. By fostering a network of like-minded individuals, we create the foundation for a strong, united community—one that’s ready to take on the challenges ahead.
➙ Why Filmmakers?
Because stories shape how we see the world. A single film can expose injustice, inspire action, or remind us of what’s at stake. In countries where democracy is under threat, filmmakers are often among the first to face censorship, intimidation, or worse. We’re here to stand with them.
For example: The 2025 Nostradamus Report highlights that in regions experiencing democratic backsliding, storytelling becomes inherently political. Filmmakers must resist self-censorship and advocate for artistic freedom. The report also emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of systemic instability, urging the industry to rethink development and distribution practices.
In countries like Poland, Hungary and Romania, where democracy is under strain, the film industry often becomes a battleground for cultural and political narratives. Filmmakers face challenges such as censorship, funding cuts, and political pressures, which can stifle creativity and limit the diversity of stories being told.
Filmmakers in Poland face challenges in addressing politically sensitive topics, as narratives are increasingly politicized by default. Rising authoritarian tendencies and political polarization have created a restrictive environment. In Poland, support for democracy among young people is alarmingly low, with only 48% favoring it as the best form of government.
The government in Hungary has taken control of cultural institutions, including the film industry, redirecting funding to projects promoting nationalistic and Christian values. Independent filmmakers face challenges in addressing politically sensitive topics due to censorship and funding constraints.
Getting Organized
Making it official:
A movement needs structure to thrive. Imagine a lean, agile organization with a clear mission, a collaborative leadership team, and a network of regional hubs across Europe.
➙ Turning passion into purpose
Creating a framework that’s both flexible and impactful. We Start as an informal grassroots network to build connections and awareness. Once we have a small team and some traction, we can work on transition into a Verein (e.V.) for legal recognition and funding opportunities.
Getting Funds
Fueling the Mission:
Big ideas need resources. Funding could come from a mix of grants (think EU cultural and democracy programs), private donors, crowdfunding campaigns, and partnerships with organizations that share our values.
➙ Securing the resources
will ensure we have the tools to amplify our voice and make a real impact. First steps to get some fuel might be Crowdfunding, Donations, Partnerships with existing organizations that share our values, Grants from local or EU programs
Making a Difference
Informing, Helping and Leading:
With a strong foundation in place, it’s time to act. From informing the public to supporting projects, European Filmmakers for Democracy work to become a vital voice for democracy and human dignity.
➙ Bringing Stories to Communities
Films can spark conversations that change perspectives. European Filmmakers for Democracy will work on to bring powerful, democracy-focused films to communities that need them most—through screenings, discussions, and events that connect people to the stories that matter.
➙ Backing New Voices
Emerging filmmakers often have the boldest ideas but the fewest resources. European Filmmakers for Democracy are there to change that. Through mentorship, funding, and production support, we’re helping the next generation of storytellers bring their visions to life.
➙ Recognizing Courage
Some films don’t just entertain—they challenge the status quo. European Filmmakers for Democracy are creating ways to celebrate and amplify films that promote inclusion, democracy, and human rights, ensuring they get the attention they deserve
➙ Monitoring the Landscape
European Filmmakers for Democracy will track where democracy is eroding and how filmmakers are being silenced. By publishing reports and sharing insights, we’re making sure the world knows what’s happening—and why it matters.
➙ Advocating for Change
European Filmmakers for Democracy want to work with international organizations to push for policies that protect creative freedom and hold regimes accountable for suppressing voices in film and media.
➙ Providing Support Where It’s Needed
When filmmakers face legal threats, censorship, or persecution, they need help. Whether it’s legal aid, funding, or simply a platform to share their work, European Filmmakers for Democracy are making sure they’re not alone.
Initiators
Kurt Brazda
Director
AAC Honorary President
Chair of IMAGO Working Conditions Committee
watch Kurt’s Statement
Birgit Guðjónsdóttir
Cinematographer
Cinematographinnen
Network
Dr. Cristina Busch
Attorney
Specialized in
Intellectual Property & Filmmaking
Maximilian Lange
Production Designer
President ARTSCENICO
Signatories
Harald Prochaska, Filmmaker/Director, Møntaj Studio, Austria; Christina Fekesa, Curator/Storyteller, Austria; Christoffer Koller, Film Edito, Austria; Michael Mederacke, Editor, Germany; Maria Reyes Caballero Martinez, Director, Spain; Rita Noriega, DoP, Spain; AAC, Austrian Association of Cinematographers, Austria; Tina Mersmann, Post Production Supervisor, Austria; José Luis Salomón, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Imanol Nabea, DoP, AEC, Spain; Harald Friedl, Writer/Director, Austria; Mikel Serrano, AD, Spain; Marta del Rio Vicente, PD, Spain; Isabel Peinado, PD, Spain; Alberto Iglesias, Composer, Spain; Esther Garcia Rodriguez, PD, Spain; Balter Gallart, PD, Spain; Antía, SD, Spain; Antxon Gomez, PD, Spain; Artur Pinheiro, PD, Portugal; Bündnis 2025, Austria; Brigitte Schmidle, Germany; Ozan Olçay, Editor, NCE, Netherlands ; Deutscher Drehbuchverband, German Association of Screenwriters, DDV, Germany; Anna Auer, Freelancer, Austria; Susanne Heine, Professor, Vienna University, Austria; ASC (Associazione Italiana Scenografi Costumisti e Arredatori), Italian Association of Production and Costume Designers, Italy; Arantxa Galán, Editor/Post Production Executive, Amazon Studios, Spain; Núria Roldós, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Juliana Montañés, Editor, AMMAC, Spain; Katharina Albrecht, Managing Director, Austrian Film Academy, Austria; Dorothea Tramontana, Pensionist, Austria; Bahriye Kabadayı Dal, Documentary Filmmaker, Tarcin Film, Turkey; David G. López de la Osa, Editor, Spain; Ernesto Arnal, Editor, Crop Estudio, Spain; Vicente Ibáñez, Editor, Crop Estudio, Spain; Klaudia Kiczak, Art Director/Production Designer, VÖF, Austria; Soultana Koumoutsi, Founder, Psarokokalo International Short Film Festival, Greece; Emily Curtis, Editor, France; Anton Wenzel, Director/Editor, BFS, Germany; Carmen Traudes, Director, Germany; Bernadette Stummer, Filmmaker, Austria; Laura Helbing, Editor, Netherlands; Torkel Gjorv, Editor, NFK (Norsk Filmklippere), Norway; Juanma Postigo Alarcón, DoP. AEC, Spain; Andres Torres, DoP, AEC, Spain; Stine Martinsen, Setdesigner, Denmark; Coline Perruchon, 1st Art Director, Spain; Teresa Velázquez Benítez, Audiovisual Designer, Spain; Marcel Janick Paul, Editor, Germany; Rainer Speidel, Editor/Colorist/Mixer, BFS/AGDOK, Germany; Ana Rodríguez León, Filmmaker/Editor, Spain; Regino Hernández López, Editor, AMMAC, Spain; Natalie Schwager, Editor, Austria; Javier Bermejo, Cinematographer, Spain; Anais, Spain; Goizeder Urtasun, Spain; Predrag Bambic, Cinematographer, SAS (Serbian Society of Cinematographers), Serbia; Jorge, Camera-Assistant, Spain; Irene Garcia-Martínez, Cinematographer, Spain; Alberto Pareja, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Fernando Argüelles, DoP, ASC/AEC, Spain; Ismael Issa López, DoP, AEC, Spain; Alex Bokhari, Cinematographer, Spain; Fito Pardo, Cinematographer, AMC/AEC, Mexico/Spain; Toni Abad, DoP, AEC, Spain; Ramón González Verdugo, DoP, AEC, Spain; Ximo Fernández, DoP, AEC, Spain; Alfonso Ruiz Rallo, Art Director, La Mirada Peroducciones S.L., Argentina; Daniel Sánchez López, Cinematographer, Spain; Luis Ángel Pérez, DoP, AEC, Spain; Alberte Branco Díaz, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Néstor, DoP, AEC, Spain; Juan Carlos Gómez, DoP, Spain; Christophe Garnier, Editor, LMA, France; Juan Antonio Castaño, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Maria Celia Paiva De Freitas, Editor, Entre Imagens, Brazil; Alain Lefebvre, Film Programmer/General Manager AEC, AEC, Spain; Rotem Gat, Post Production Sound Editor, Isreal; Joan Bordera Benaiges, DoP, Spain; Juana Jimenez, DoP, Spain; Joaquin Fernández, DoP, Spain; Daniel Aranyó Batlle, Cinematographer, Spain; José Luis Pecharromán Rubio, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Patricia Rommel, Editor, Germany; Beatrice Babin, Editor, Germany; Georg Fischer, Editor, BFS, Germany; Guillaume Louyot, Producer / Director, Onickz Artworks, France; Antonio Riestra, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Carlos Cebrián Renau, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Alberto Morago Muñoz, DoP, Spain; Pablo Rosso, DoP, AEC, Spain; BVL, Bundesverband Locationscouts, German Association of Locationscouts, Germany; Lourdes Sogas Mascaró, Photographer, Spain; Eva Pudill, Filmmaker, Austria; AEC, Spanish Society of Cinematographers, Spain; Erika Pluhar, Actress/Writer, Austria; Jesus Haro, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Arturo Hernandez, DoP, Spain; Dr. Sigrid Prihoda, Pensionist, Austria; Patricia Avilés Kraljevich, Spain; Javier Alomar Garau, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Juan Luis Cabellos, DoP, AEC, Spain; Juanjo, Musician/Publisher, Brotons & Mercadal Edicions Misicsls Barcelone, Spain; Manuel Iborra, Director, Spain; Enrique Santiago Silguero, Cinematographer, Spain; Daniel Giménez Cacho, Actor/Director/Producer, Mexico; Gorka Gomez Andreu, Cinematographer, Spain; Fernando Hervás Piñar, Art Director, Spain; Fernando López Castillo, Producer/Director, Irati Films, Spain; Luis Moreno Bernardo, Art Director/2nd Unit Director, Spain; Juan Casalduero, Assistant Director, Spain; Francisco Suárez, Architect, Spain; Grete Kernegger, betrifft demokratie, Austria; Oscar Duran Barcena, Cinematographer, Spain; Antxon Gomez, Producer/Designer, Spain; Pau Faus, Spain; Javier Balaguer, Director/Producer, Acción, Spain; Benjamin Epp, Cinematographer, AAC, Austria; Carmen Vayá Albert, Film Journalist, Camera & Light Magazine, Spain; González Robles Irene, Pensionist, Spain; Quim Miquel, DoP, Spain; Julio Gómez, Cinematography Trainer, Spain; Josep M. Civit, Cinematographer, AEC, Spain; Josef Zaunegger, Cinematographer, Austria; Danske Scenografer, Danish Association of Production Designers, DS, Denmark; Serafin Spitzer, Cinematographer, Austria; Nicole Berndt-Caccivio, Cinematographer/Artist, Austria; Agnes Pluch, Screenwriter, Austria; Axel Stummer, Pensionist, Austria; Dr. Karlheinz Schrœdl, Pensionist, Austria; Arash T. Riahi, Producer/Director/Writer, Golden Girls Film, Austria; Carola Raum, Costume Designer, VSK, Germany; Eveline Gessl, Editor, Austria; Dr. Heinrich Weber, University Professor MD, MUW, Austria; Doris Garn, Filmmaker, Soup-Connection, Austria; Erwin Steinhauer, Actor, Alles Gute, Austria; Alexandra Löwy, Editor, Editors, Austria; Michi Riebl, Director/Cinematographer, AAC, Austria; Johannes Rass, Editor, Austria; Su Attems, Artist, Austria; Rudy Attems, Consultant/Writer, Austria; Dipl. Ing. Rita Jelinek, Manager, Vienna Jewish Film Festival, Austria; Mag. Frédéric-Gérard Kaczek, Cinematographer/Founder/Director, Vienna Jewish Film Festival/KFLECT, Austria; Brigitte Fenko, Austria; Andrea Maria Dusl, Writer/Director, Comandantina, Austria; Michael Höfner, Distributor, GMFilms, Austria; Johannes Webhofer, Political Scientist, KSÖ, Austria; Rainer Bauböck, Political Scientist, Austria; Traude Brazda-Gruber, Editor, AEA, Austria; ADC, Association des cheffes et chefs Décorateurs de Cinéma, French Association for Production Designers, France; Oliver Zenglein, Crew United, Germany; Rüdiger Jordan, Locationscout, Germany; Nici Zinell, Costume Designer, VSK, Germany; Riccarda Merten-Eicher, Costume Designer, VSK, Germany; Nora Willy, Set Dresser, VdRSD, Germany; Zora Bachmann, Managing Director Dachverband Österreichischer Filmschaffender, Austria; Claudia Kühlke, Costume Designer, VSK, Germany; Barbara Seidler, Editor, Austria; Ilse Buchelt, Editor, Austria; Leonhard Jagels, Production Designer, VSK, Germany; Cordula Werner, Editor, Austria; Anna Kirst, Editor, Austria; Bettina Proske, Costume Designer, VSK, Germany; Daniele Drobny, Set Decorator, VdRSD, Germany; Stefanie Gros, Set Dresser, VdRSD, Germany; Panja Gawlitzek, Propmaster, VdRSD, Germany; Stefan Baumgartner, Director, Fuzion Collective, Austria; Ana Bilic, Screenwriter/Director, Austria; Hannes Valtiner, Media Engineer, Austria; Beate Schalko, Director/Writer, Austria; Juno Englander, Film Editor, Austria; Louis-Philippe Capelle, Cinematographer, Belgium; Paul Rosdy, Filmmaker, Rosdy Film, Austria; Markus Burg, Producer, Austria; Dr. Said Manafi, Freelancer, Austria; Paul Poet, Director/Author, Austria; Michael Seeber, Director/Producer/Scriptwriter, Austria; Lia Kaufman, Artist, Spain; Tom Coxon, Concept Artist, UK; Xavier Max de Xaxas, Journalist, Spain; Esther Planas Balduz, Artist/Independent Scholar in Critical Theory and Philosophy, Spain; Santos Bregaña, Designer, Spain; Markus Schleinzer, Director/Screenwriter, Austria; Stefan Mussil, Cameraman/Cinematographer, AAC/BVK, Austria; Cristina Centellas, Spain; Saskia Tegethoff, Prop Master, VdRSD, Germany; Mena Vennen, Standby Art Director, VdRSD, Germany; Dino Rolando Campos Parisi, Economista, Spain; Sara B. Weingart, Production Designer, ssfv, Switzerland; Nina Salak, Production Designer, VÖF, Austria; Zita Pichler, Art Director, ASC, Italy; Vicky von Minckwitz, Production Designer, VSK, Germany; Matthias Müsse, Production Designer, VSK, Germany; Katharina Haring, Production Designer, VÖF, Austria; Jacob Stig Olson, Production Designer, DS, Denmark; Anne Karttunen, Production Designer, LP, Finland; Laurent Tesseyre, Production Designer, MAD, France
Sign up!
FAQ
➙ Who can sign?
In principle, any private person, but also organisations, educational institutions, academies and professional associations can join this initiative. It is not mandatory to work or be organised in the film industry but of course our focus is on people from this field
➙ What about the Statement?
We want to know, what you think about the initiative, what you expect from it or want to contribute. Or feel free to put your thoughts about democracy or the state of the world in there.
➙ What happens with my data?
Your data is initially subject to Artscenico’s Private Policy. The data you provide (email, name etc ) will only be used by us in the context of the organisation of European Filmmakers for Democracy. By signing you agree that your name will be used in connection with the European Filmmakers for Democracy- idea and will be shown on the site. You can also make a statement that we will be happy to publish on the site.
➙ What are the next steps?
Firstly, it is essential to identify as many interested parties and supporters as possible throughout Europe through this registration.
The next step is to form an organisation of some kind so that we can apply for funding. All further plans and ideas can be found on the website.
➙ Are there newsletter planed?
There are no newsletters planed yet, but if you register, we will keep you up to date.
➙ Unsubscribe
You can unsubscribe at any time.
This site is presented by
