Panenka

Populism is omnipresent in the European Union. Slowly, mem- ber state elections have become perfectly predictable: populist parties score big time, traditional parties suffer major losses. The voice of the disgruntled citizen grows increasingly louder, both on the left and right sides of the spectrum. Polarisation is on the rise. Why are so many civilians angry? The Offensive looks for answers in the life stories of the people who are turning away from traditional politics. Who are ‘the offensive’ who shake the European Union to its very core?

Every episode features a parallel montage of three stories from different European countries, covering the same theme, alter- nated with archive materials. Old fragments of the European dream of peace and prosperity are combined with more recent reports on the situation in Europe. A seven-part documentary series that urges the viewer to think for himself in a debate that is becoming increasingly poisoned by fake news.

Based on the book 'De onfatsoenlijken' by Jan Antonissen. Supported by The Belgian Tax-shelter & Screen Flanders.

Info:

• Concept & editor-in-chief – Jan Antonissen
• Director – Luc Lemaitre
• Length – 7 x 45min
• Original Broadcaster – VRT / Canvas
• Shooting period – 2019
• Start first episode – 2020
• Nominations: Virginia Festival
• Partners: The Belgian Tax-shelter & Screen Flanders