Screening and discussion with researchers from Malmö University
Civil War is an adrenaline-fuelled journey through a devastated United States where director Alex Garland depicts a civil war in the near future. Kirsten Dunst plays a journalist who, along with some colleagues, tries to make their way across the country during a rapidly escalating civil war, which has the entire nation in its grip. Along the way, they document war crimes and are threatened with death themselves. The madness of war becomes more and more difficult for Lee and her team to comprehend the closer they get to the capital of power. This deliberate ambivalence strengthens the film's subject matter, which captures how difficult it is to retain one's humanity in an out-of-control world.
Discussion
The screening will be followed by a discussion with Christian Fernandez, Associate Professor of Political Science and Fredrik Alvén, Associate Professor of History and History Education. Based on their respective research areas, they will shed light on different aspects of the film and provide perspectives on both historical and current events. Some of the questions that will be raised are what happens when a democracy is dismantled and a lawless society emerges. How can the de-democratization of a country lead to dehumanization? What happens when essential functions, such as journalism, are eroded and when violence is mixed with political apathy and resignation? What does the film say about our contemporary political debate? The discussion is moderated by Julia Granath from BUFF International Film Festival.
About Christian Fernandez and his research
About Fredrik Alvén and his research
Practicalities
Screening and discussion is about 2.5 hours and free of charge for students and employees at Malmö University. The movie is in English with Swedish subtitles. The discussion will be held in Swedish.
MaU Screens
MaU Screens is a film series organised by Kultursamverkan at Malmö University promoting culture in Malmö with links to research and education. MaU Screens shows specially selected films on current themes that are linked to the University's programmes and with a researcher's perspective on various topics.
