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'An orgy of antisemitism is overtaking the West,' says acclaimed Hungarian director Laszlo Nemes

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Acclaimed Hungarian director Laszlo Nemes believes an "orgy of antisemitism" is overtaking the West.
  • Nemes stated that his Oscar-winning film 'Son of Saul,' which depicts the Holocaust, might not receive similar recognition if released today due to the politicization of cinema.
  • He expressed concern that the Jewish identity and the Holocaust are being "hijacked" by anti-humanist ideologies and that calls to boycott Israel are a manifestation of this trend.

Hungarian Jewish director Laszlo Nemes has issued a stark warning, asserting that the West is succumbing to an "absolute, shameless orgy of antisemitism." Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival while promoting his latest film, 'Moulin,' Nemes drew parallels between contemporary Western attitudes and the pre-Nazi era in Europe, expressing deep concern over the resurgence of anti-Jewish sentiment.

There’s an orgy of antisemitism, an absolute, shameless orgy of antisemitism, overtaking the West.

— Laszlo NemesDescribing the current state of antisemitism in Western societies.

Nemes, celebrated for his harrowing 2015 film 'Son of Saul,' which earned an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, suggested that such a work would face significant hurdles in today's climate. He lamented the politicization of cinema, arguing that any "Jewish" content is now viewed with suspicion, potentially preventing films like his from gaining traction or even being considered for major awards. This perspective reflects a growing sentiment among some artists and intellectuals that artistic freedom is being curtailed by ideological pressures.

I don’t even think it would make the [Oscar] shortlist today... Because of the politicization of cinema, because anything that’s Jewish is now considered... Nobody would touch it with a 10-foot pole.

— Laszlo NemesReflecting on how his film 'Son of Saul' might be received today due to perceived politicization.

Furthermore, Nemes criticized the boycott movements targeting Israel, labeling them as "anti-humanist regression." He believes that antisemitism is a potent vector for these ideologies, allowing them to spread under the guise of legitimate political discourse. From his viewpoint as a Hungarian filmmaker whose work deeply engages with the Holocaust, this trend is particularly alarming, suggesting a dangerous normalization of sentiments reminiscent of historical persecutions. This viewpoint, rooted in a deep understanding of historical trauma, offers a critical lens on contemporary international relations and the discourse surrounding Israel.

I think it’s all anti-humanist regression. And because it’s not identified as this, I think it’s very effective at spreading.

— Laszlo NemesCommenting on the nature and spread of boycott movements against Israel.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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