17 January - The Financial Times has launched Democracy, 2024 a short film series examining what democracy will look like in the year ahead.
More people around the world will have the opportunity to vote in 2024 than any single year before. To mark this historic milestone, the FT has commissioned award-winning global authors Margaret Atwood, Elif Shafak, Lola Shoneyin, and comedian Aditi Mittal, to describe their unique perspectives on democracy and its relevance, fragility and value.
- In her animated film novelist Margaret Atwood demonstrates how democracy can be eroded and how we can be fooled into thinking authoritarianism is a preferred option. She urges viewers to ‘call the bluff’ of leaders who tell us otherwise.
- In a sitcom-style sketch, Indian comedian Aditi Mittal plays the role of both a daughter fighting for a democracy in which women can thrive, and of her father who defends autocracy and calls out hypocrisy in imperfect western democracies.
- Turkish-British novelist Elif Shafak draws on nature to illustrate the parallels between democracy and the broader ecosystem, highlighting the complex webs of interdependence and the need to withstand the erosion of fundamental values.
- Nigerian poet and author Lola Shoneyin recites a poem about how coups and military dictatorships in Africa have threatened democracies over the decades, arguing the case for retaining, embracing and shaping democracy.
FT editor Roula Khalaf commented: “As we look ahead to 2024 and the historic number of global elections, this series of powerful and thought-provoking films astutely captures the essence of democracy and what it means to each and every one of us. Democracy, 2024 is part of a broader editorial initiative to equip voters with expert commentary, analysis and data in what will be an unprecedented year for democracies around the world.”
The films were directed by Juliet Riddell, head of new formats at the FT, and produced in collaboration with a number of artists, including experiential art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast and musician Made Kuti. Previous films written and directed by Juliet Riddell include the BAFTA nominated drama People You May Know, and the award-winning film Capture, which explored child safety online.
CREDITS
Democracy is the middle between two undesirable extremes
Written by: Margaret Atwood
Animated by: Jamie Macdonald
Music by: Tristan Cassel-Delavois
In That Top: Democracy is of most value to those already with power
Written by: Aditi Mittal
Directed by: Rupesh Tulli
Edited by: Benjamin Gerstein
Original music was commissioned and performed by Aditya Ashwath
Terra Incognita: Democracy and importance of learning from nature
Written by: Elif Shafak
In collaboration with: Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF)
Edited by: Dan Susman
Music by: Tristan Cassel-Delavois
A Fragile State: The fragility of democracy and the reality of military dictatorships
Written by: Lola Shoneyin
Edited by: Dan Susman
Directed by: Daniel Ehimen
Music by: Made Kuti
Ends
For more information please contact: Catherine Goacher | catherine.goacher@ft.com
About the Financial Times
The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading business news organisations, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. The FT has a record paying readership of 1.2 million, more than one million of which are digital subscriptions. It is part of Nikkei Inc., which provides a broad range of information, news and services for the global business community.