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In an unprecedented move during the summer of 2020, students and faculty of the University of Theatre and Film of Budapest stood up against the nationalist-populist government’s measure to take full control of the country’s most prestigious art school. First, the institution’s full leadership resigned, and then, in a spectacular protest event, students occupied the iconic downtown building of the university. In the following months, a newly formed self-governing student body organized the most powerful and creative protest movement to this day against Viktor Orbán’s autocratic regime. Meanwhile, the resigned faculty laid the foundations of a new independent organization, the FreeSzFE Society, which has evolved into a vibrant artistic community. Today it offers year-long courses and workshops, produces films and performances, and grants their students diplomas through a network of European universities—all with the support of a wide audience of art-lovers and fans committed to democracy and the autonomy of higher education.
Panelists:
Ildikó Enyedi, Film Director and University Professor
László Upor, Dramaturg, Translator, and University Professor (SzFE Society)
Aujeszky Nóra Ilona, Legal Officer, HCLU, former SzFE Student (Television Production)
Moderator:
Anikó Szűcs, Lecturer, Yale University
Sponsored by Beinecke Library, the Postwar Culture Working Group, and the Whitney Humanities Center. For more information about the ART & PROTEST SERIES or to join the mailing list, write to kevin.repp@yale.edu.