In a controversial move, the BFI London Film Festival (LFF) has removed a far-right documentary from its line-up over “security” concerns. The film Undercover: Exposing The Far Right, which uses hidden cameras to cover far-right figures across the UK and Europe, was due to be part of the 68th festival over the weekend, but has been unexpectedly cancelled.
Festival director Kristy Matheson expressed her dismay, saying: “After exploring all possible options for showing this film at a public film festival, we made the heartbreaking decision not to present Undercover: Exposing The Far Right at the LFF.” She further praised the film’s quality: “I think the film is exceptional and easily one of the best documentaries I’ve seen this year.”
Matheson also highlighted staff wellbeing as a prominent factor behind the withdrawal: “But festival workers have a right to feel safe and have their mental health and wellbeing respected in their workplace.”
Considering the potential risk to attendees and organizers, she explained: “I took on board the expert opinion from colleagues about the safety and well-being risks the screening could have created for the audience and the team and that informed our decision, which we did not take lightly the film is incredibly important and we wish it the very best.”
The film, directed by Smash & Grab – The Story Of The Pink Panthers director Havana Marking, follows campaigns by Hope not Hate, which describes itself as an organization working to expose and counter right-wing extremism. The online synopsis reveals that the documentary delves into the world of far-right activists as Britain grapples with the aftermath of this summer’s riots and examines the funding behind the spread of “prejudice” on the internet.
Channel 4 will broadcast the documentary on Monday at 10pm. The broadcaster, along with Hope not Hate and Ms Marking, have been contacted for comment.
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