The Roxie Theater is hosting a screening of “Democracy Noir” by director Connie Field, with proceeds to benefit Indivisible SF.

Amidst the brazen rise of 21st century authoritarianism, few politicians have proven as corrupt and adept at undermining democracy as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. A hero to his country’s Christian conservative population and a role model to the right-wing political movement in Europe and to Donald Trump and the Republicans in United States – Orbán takes carefully crafted, methodical steps to chip away at Hungarian democratic institutions while maintaining popularity with a majority of citizens.

Democracy Noir follows three courageous women – opposition politician Timea, journalist Babett, and nurse Nikoletta (Niko) – who fight relentlessly to expose the lies and corruption embedded in Orbán’s government.

However, they face a well-financed and sophisticated opposition in Orbán’s ultra conservative Fidesz party, which commands a powerful sway in the electorate and has already altered key democratic constitutional laws to further cement one-party rule. With each step Orbán makes towards autocracy, these women – representing many in Hungary – trail close behind in their fight, organizing and exploring innovative ways to take on one of the West’s most powerful, and seemingly unstoppable, demagogues.

Through our protagonists’ protests and dissent, the film’s director, Oscar-nominee Connie Field, provides a deeper portrait of how Orbán has, over the past decade, systematically destabilized the country’s democratic institutions for economic gain, while enjoying widespread support from Hungarian nationalists. Similar trends can be seen in other parts of the world, with autocracies emerging in Turkey, Belarus, Serbia and in the United States – where Orbán is being hailed as a political success and inspiration.

This is a one-night showing. Buy tickets here.