Special Event

Directly from within the newsrooms, director Sára Prokopová observes the attempt – one that begins absurdly but becomes increasingly tragic – to gain political control over Slovakia’s public service television and radio. While heated debates about a strike are taking place behind the scenes, the gradual curtailment of independent journalism and the silencing of opposition voices unfolds on screens. Cultural policy – and the institution itself – are beginning to be run by people lacking the necessary expertise; by those who seriously speculate as to whether the Earth is flat or not. The journalists’ initial enthusiasm is giving way to a sense of powerlessness and frustration at developments that bear a number of cautionary parallels with situations in other Central European countries. “I wanted to highlight the importance of the actions of the individuals who decided to stand up to the establishment, at the risk of either losing their jobs or having their work interfered with.” — Sára Prokopová, SME