In 1986, filmmaker Ruth Beckermann took part in the protests against Kurt Waldheim, Austrian presidential candidate and former Secretary-General of the United Nations. An unabashed Waldheim, in the face of mounting evidence of his involvement with the SS during the Second World War, parries with counter-accusations, “alternative facts” and shameless rhetoric, bringing divisions and anti-semitism within Austrian society bubbling to the surface. Beckermann filmed the demonstrations that accompanied the charismatic politician’s campaign, which combined with TV archive footage create an exciting chronological report climaxing in the election itself.

Dir. Ruth Beckermann - 93min - 2018 - Austria

"stark tale of truth, lies and politics in postwar Austria...Ruth Beckermann’s investigation into Kurt Waldheim’s Austrian presidential campaign is as engrossing as it is relevant" - The Guardian

"The film may end in 1986, but the darkness it reveals still looms." - The New York Times