‘Exceptional’ documentary, Undercover: Exposing the Far Right, was cut from the London Film Festival last minute due to staff and audience safety concerns.
The shocking expose – from acclaimed British filmmaker Havana Marking – follows activists from advocacy group Hope Not Hate as they infiltrate far-right networks across the UK and Europe to discover a nefarious ‘race science’ movement funded by US donors.
The timely documentary was set to premiere at this year’s London Film Festival, but Deadline has confirmed it was shelved just days before the festival started due to ‘perceived risks of disruption or harm to audiences or staff.’
In a statement, BFI London Film Festival head, Kristy Matheson said it was a ‘heartbreaking decision’ made after ‘exploring all viable options’.
She continued: ‘I think the film is exceptional and easily one of the best documentaries I have seen this year. However, festival workers have the right to feel safe and that their mental health and well-being is respected in their workplace.’
After assessing the ‘expert opinion’ of colleagues, the ‘wellbeing and safety risks’ proved too great and ultimately led to its cancellation which they did ‘not take lightly’.
She reiterated: ‘The film is incredibly important and we wish it the very best. The BFI is a proud supporter of the film as a financier through the BFI Doc Society Fund, awarding National Lottery funding.’
The hostile atmosphere within the UK has been heightened in recent months in the wake of the riots (associated with the far right) across the nation following the tragic deaths of three children in Southport at a Taylor Swift dance class.
Marking, who is best known for her 2009 documentary Afghan Star, expressed her concern and disappointment to the Observer.
She admitted that while she understood the ‘need to look after the staff’ she was ‘furious’ the theatrical release was pulled so late. Especially after two years of ‘brave and inspiring work’ during an ‘extraordinarily febrile times’.
‘I do feel, though, that the power of the far right is exaggerated, although their influence is clearly dangerous,’ she continued.
Both Marking and the filmmakers confirmed they had put forward ‘alternative ways’ for the film to be shown to little success. The filmmakers said they were ‘ dismayed that LFF did not engage in attempts to find such a solution.’
‘It is shocking to see the extent of far-right influence in both street level and elite ‘intellectual’ circles,” said in a separate statement to the Metro.
I understand the fear that people have, but am very disappointed that no alternative method of screening at LFF could be found. It is getting harder and harder to make these films and to lose this audience was upsetting.’
Elsewhere, Marking echoed: ‘The riots have made people so scared. I am trying to think of it as a reflection of the powerful content of the film, but it is getting harder to make documentaries with political content, and if they are not guaranteed a screening it really does not help.
‘At least the film will go out on Channel 4 on Monday. And in fact, both Channel 4 and the British Film Institute, the body behind the film festival, have actually been incredibly supportive of this film.’
In a statement shared with the Metro, Hope Not Hate CEO Nick Lowes said: ‘For the first time in our 20-year history, HOPE not hate have granted behind-the-scenes access to a documentary film crew.
‘The film reveals how HOPE not hate exposes and tackles the far right, often while facing abuse and death threats.
‘Safety must always be an upmost priority. But we can’t deny that it is disappointing to see the brave work of our staff being denied the widest possible audience. Now, more than ever, the true nature of the far right, in Britain and abroad, needs to be exposed.’
In the film there is a particular focus on the Human Diversity Foundation and the links between British far-right activist Matthew Frost and his connections to Seattle-based multimillionaire Andrew Conru.
The documentary will now be aired on Channel 4 on October 21 at 10pm and screen at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) on November 19.
The Metro has reached out to Hope Not Hate, Havana Marking and the BFI London Film Festival for comment.
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