Filmmakers presented in this retrospective do not hide the camera from their subjects. Quite the contrary, the total trust and belief in the best intentions is a precondition for these films to be made, often at the risk of the life of the subjects and filmmakers. "Cinematic Resistance" consists of documentaries made without the knowledge and permission of the authorities - these are fighting films and protest documentaries. What can be done for people straining under the yoke of dictatorship, persecuted by authorities and prosecuted for their views? You can try sharing their stories with the world and publicizing what they are fighting for ("Mugabe and the White African"). That weapon, however, cuts both ways. Secret recordings sometimes guarantee a certain measure of safety for people whose truth is exposed to the world. On the other hand, the revealed face may lead to further repressions against "traitors." These filmmakers face incredibly difficult choices, where the stakes can mean life or death. An excellent example is the Australian documentary "Stolen," where filmmakers had to walk a moral tightrope to save their film without hurting anyone. Sometimes, people who criticize authorities decide to hide their faces in fear of repression ("Repainting Cuba"). But there are also acts of heroic courage performed with the total awareness of consequences threatening anyone bold enough to challenge the system ("Leaving Fear Behind"). A hidden camera is also an excellent way to show your version of events in a world dominated by official propaganda ("City With No God").
