The year 2024 was not only brimming with international events and transformations but also reflected in the dynamic world of cinema. Films mirrored global happenings, dramatizing the rise of Trump in US politics and hinting at the potential for civil war. On-screen narratives explored the conflicts surrounding the Gaza war and Western interactions with the Ukraine war, while also delving into the crises faced by Iran and Western nations. Simultaneously, societal debates on values, prevalent in political arenas, found their way onto the silver screen, further blurring the lines between reality and artistic expression.
The Year of the US Election
Every fourth year of a US presidential term draws global attention, as the outcome significantly impacts world affairs. In 2024, one such pivotal year, the world closely monitored the US elections until the new president's inauguration. Cinema reflected this heightened political atmosphere through films closely, and sometimes directly, linked to these elections.
April 2024 saw the release of "Civil War," a film set in the near future. It follows a group of journalists covering a civil war within the United States. Amid chaos and destruction, they journey from New York to Washington to interview the President, who has seized a third term in violation of the Constitution. Several states declare independence in response, sparking a civil war.
Classified as a dystopian piece, the film addresses political and social concerns, serving as both a warning and a call to action. While the fear of a full-scale civil war might seem far-fetched, the concern over political violence is widely acknowledged. Recent history has shown unexpected events can occur; few could have imagined a group of Americans storming the Capitol to protest the outcome of a presidential election, as happened on January 6th, 2021, following Biden's victory and Trump's refusal to concede.
A survey conducted by The Economist in 2022 highlighted these concerns. It found that 40% of Americans do not rule out the possibility of a civil war within the next ten years. However, when asked about being completely certain of an impending civil war, the number drops to 14%.
Filmmakers insisted the president's character in the film was not intended to represent Trump, yet viewers find it challenging to avoid drawing parallels. The portrayal aligns closely with Trump's image - a leader refusing to relinquish power, calling for violence, and turning weapons against his people. The movie achieved significant success globally, with earnings reaching approximately $125 million.
"The Trainee" premiered in the official competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May. It chronicles Trump's rise from the early days of his career in the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on his relationship with the infamous lawyer Roy Cohn. Known for his power and ability to win at any cost, Cohn became Trump's mentor and guide. The film emphasizes how this relationship shaped Trump's character into what it ultimately became.
Despite the filmmakers' disclaimer that some events were fictionalized for dramatic purposes, the nature of cinema blurs the line between reality and fiction. Viewers find it nearly impossible to separate fact from fiction while watching. The disclaimer failed to shield the filmmakers from criticism, particularly from Trump and his supporters, who insisted everything in the film was false and aimed at tarnishing Trump's reputation amid the election battle.
Trump's campaign and lawyers attacked the film, threatening legal action for defamation. Consequently, major U.S. distribution companies hesitated to distribute it, fearing potential lawsuits and uncertain audience reception. Eventually, an independent distribution company acquired the rights, and the film was released in theaters on October 11, just weeks before the election. However, it failed to achieve significant success within the United States.
Ukraine and Iran
"Anora," the Palme d'Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival, has ignited widespread debate. At its core, the film portrays a love story between an American sex worker and a young Russian man from an oligarch family studying in the United States. Upon discovering his marriage, his family employs every tactic to end the relationship.
Set in Brighton Beach, a New York neighborhood predominantly populated by Russian-speaking immigrants, the film's events unfold against a backdrop of cultural complexity. The area's residents include those who emigrated from the Soviet Union in the 1970s and later immigrants from various Ukrainian cities following the Soviet collapse.
Taking place after the outbreak of the 2022 war, the narrative explores the community's attempts to unite and preserve their cohesion. As a sign of opposition to the conflict, some residents removed Russian flags from stores, replacing them with Ukrainian ones. Despite these efforts, tensions between those of Russian and Ukrainian origin led to occasional clashes.
The criticism surrounding the Palme d'Or award at Cannes Film Festival, especially considering that the jury president was US director Greta Gerwig, raises a more significant question. Beyond the justification of such criticism lies the implication that films cannot be viewed in isolation from their context and the socio-political environment in which they are produced. The situation underscores the importance and ability of cinematic events and films to raise issues for public debate and affirm their presence in the public sphere.
Meanwhile, some expected the Iranian film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, to win the Palme d'Or. Secretly shot in Iran, the film's director managed to escape the country after being sentenced to prison and attended the Cannes Film Festival for its premiere. Although it didn't win the top prize, the film made it to the shortlist (final list yet to be announced) for nominations for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. It represents Germany, which co-produced the film and granted the director German citizenship after his escape from Iran.
The situation has led to calls for the Academy Awards to change its system for selecting films in this category, which currently requires each country to submit an official nomination for the film representing it. Iranian filmmakers have called for the rejection of films submitted by the Iranian government and for the opportunity to submit films representing Iran from outside the country or independently of the state.
A parallel can be drawn to the Olympics, which allowed teams composed of refugees to participate for the first time in 2016. Similarly, the Berlin Film Festival made decisions to boycott films affiliated with Iranian and Russian regimes following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran and the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. These actions have opened the door to calls for excluding other countries from submitting film nominations, such as China.
The Gaza War
Amidst the Gaza War, "Zero Distance" emerged as a powerful anthology film. The project, a compilation of short films united by the common theme of life within Gaza under the shadow of war, was initiated by director Rashid Masharawi. He supported 22 filmmakers within Gaza to create these short films, some of which were shot under actual bombardment.
Originally scheduled for a world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the film faced a setback when the festival's management backed out for political reasons. Undeterred, Masharawi screened the film outside the designated theater during the festival.
The movie has since reached the shortlist for the Academy Awards in the category of Best International Feature Film, representing Palestine. Interestingly, the film nominated by Israel did not make it to this shortlist. To bolster the film's bid for the final nomination, renowned US director Michael Moore joined as an executive producer.
In an exceptional turn of events, "Zero Distance" wasn't the only Palestinian movie on the list. Three Palestinian films made it to the shortlist in different categories. "An Orange from Jaffa" was nominated for Best Short Film, while "No Other Land" secured a spot in the Best Documentary Feature category. Notably, the Israeli film nominated alongside "No Other Land" in this category was "The Bibi Files," a controversial documentary detailing the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is currently banned in Israel.
Palestinian films have previously reached the final nominations for the Oscars, but the current event holds exceptional significance due to its timing within the context of the narrative battle accompanying the Gaza war. The achievement is considered evidence of breaking the decades-long monopoly of the Israeli narrative. Reaching this point is the result of accumulated efforts in Palestinian cinema over the years.
If any of the three films were to succeed in reaching the final nominations for the Oscars, it would be a significant achievement, especially "Zero Distance" due to its direct address of the war and its representation of Palestine in the international film category. However, even reaching the shortlist is undoubtedly a victory in the battle of narratives.
In the same context, several films were released this year addressing the Holocaust and the suffering of the Jews. Notable examples include "The Beasts," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September and won the Silver Lion for Best Director, and "All the Beauty and the Bloodshed," which premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival in the United States.
The Clash of Values
Among the most significant films of the year were "The Substance" and "Emily Perez", both sparking considerable debate. "The Substance" tells the story of a renowned actress who, facing the challenges of aging, decides to take a drug transforming her into a younger version to maintain her privileges. "Emily Perez" revolves around a gang leader who goes undercover by undergoing a gender transition.
Both films premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last May, with "The Substance" winning Best Screenplay and "Emily Perez" securing the Jury Prize, along with its female leads collectively receiving the Best Actress award. Since their debut, ongoing discussions have emerged about the themes raised, particularly regarding transgender issues, women's perception, their rights, and other social topics gaining prominence on the international stage.
The US elections clearly demonstrated the impact of these issues on people's decisions and political choices. Such social and cultural matters were among the most significant factors influencing US voters' choices in the presidential election.
Teen Mental Health
The animated film "Inside Out 2" achieved significant success and sparked a crucial conversation about the pressures faced by teenagers and the rising rates of mental health issues among them, both within and outside the United States. Delving into the psychological changes associated with adolescence, the film provided insights into navigating these challenges through the lens of a 13-year-old girl.
A 2024 World Health Organization report revealed that globally, one in seven individuals between the ages of 10 and 19 suffer from a mental disorder. Depression and anxiety were identified as the primary causes of these disorders among adolescents. Moreover, suicide was found to be the third leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 29. Such statistics underscore the global nature of this issue, extending far beyond the US.
The current global situation, marked by widespread conflicts, aligns with these findings. However, many countries where children, adolescents, and adults suffer from the consequences of wars and conflicts lack the resources to adequately address mental health, often viewing it as a luxury rather than a necessity.
Films like "Inside Out 2," often translated into multiple languages, reach millions of children and adolescents worldwide, becoming part of their collective experience. Among the most impactful of the year, these films powerfully reflected and amplified issues of international significance. They transcended mere entertainment, effectively bridging the gap between global events and the individual.
By its very nature, the cinematic medium seamlessly intertwines cultural, social, political, and humanitarian elements. It exerts a profound influence on the collective consciousness and subconscious, particularly regarding the increasingly interconnected global landscape.
The Oscar nominations, set to be unveiled on January 19th, are expected to showcase many of these films, paving the way for a fiercely competitive awards season. As intense promotional campaigns unfold, these cinematic contenders will undoubtedly capture increased global attention. The upcoming Oscars are anticipated to be especially contentious, given the stark contrast between the entertainment industry and the current political climate—a divide that has grown more pronounced in recent years.
