Golden Dawn Girls

Golden Dawn Girls is an enthralling and intriguing documentary by Norwegian filmmaker Håvard Bustnes that premiered in 2017. The film provides a powerful and intimate glance into the lives and attitudes of the women behind one of Greece's most notorious right-wing extremist parties - Golden Dawn.

Golden Dawn Girls pivots on three central figures: Ourania, the daughter of the party's imprisoned leader Nikos Michaloliakos; Dafni, the mother of the party's spokesperson and Ourania's childhood friend; and Jenny, the wife of another jailed MP. These interactions offer a unique psychological portrayal of these women who suddenly find themselves taking center stage in the nation's political landscape.

From its opening scenes, the film portrays an intriguing narrative. It portrays the gradual ascent of the Golden Dawn party, beginning from its fringe origins to grow into a significant political force within the country. However, its political success is abruptly curtailed by the arrest of its leading male members following the murder of an anti-fascist rapper. These events lead to the women in their lives-taking the helm and maintaining the party's operations.

Rena Dourou, Panagiotis Iliopoulos, and Liana Kanelli do not play traditional character roles, rather, they present themselves in the film as key figures within this intense political drama, offering first-hand accounts and perspective of the behind-the-scene activities of the extremist party. Their raw performances and unscripted reactions drive the film's inspiration and authenticity.

Alongside the broader political landscape, the film delves into the personal dynamics of these women. Ourania, in particular, stands out as a compelling figure, due to her intelligence and articulate arguments interspersed with moments of cognitive dissonance where she defends her father's extreme ideology. She often interacts with the filmmaker, at times asking him to stop shooting or excluding certain footage, offering an intriguing meta-narrative that plays out throughout the film.

Panagiotis Iliopoulos and Liana Kanelli comprise the other key figures in the film. Iliopoulos provides insights into the supporters of the party, offering an understanding of the societal conditions and resentment that fuelled Golden Dawn's rise. Kanelli, a Member of Parliament and representative of the Greek Communist Party, acts as a counterpoint to the women of Golden Dawn. Her staunch leftist stance and fiery criticisms of the party provide balance to the narrative.

The film does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of Golden Dawn's ideological views. Scenes of hate speeches, violent demonstrations, and anti-immigrant sentiments provide a starkly realistic portrayal of the rise of right-wing extremism in Greece. However, the tone is not entirely grim, with the filmmaker often exploiting the absurdities of the situation for a sense of ironic humor.

Golden Dawn Girls is an incredibly immersive film, shot in a direct, vérité style. The camera is always present, often intruding into the personal spaces and situations of its subjects. Audiences are also privy to a multitude of behind-the-scenes moments, from party meetings to heartfelt family interactions, creating a comprehensive and intimate view of its subjects.

Through this documentary, Bustnes presents an unflinching portrayal of an extremist group, told through the lens of the women holding the fort in the absence of the party's male leaders. He does not attempt to debunk their philosophy or confront them head-on. Instead, he lets the subjects speak for themselves, creating an unsettling and thought-provoking narrative that reflects upon the state of the world today.

In conclusion, Golden Dawn Girls is a profound and provocative journey into a fragment of contemporary Greek politics, worlds apart from the picturesque Mediterranean landscapes typically associated with the country. Striking camera work, an engrossing story riveting personalities, and a balanced perspective make for an unforgettable viewing experience, weaving together the personal and political for a stark look at the women behind a far-right political movement. It's a must-watch for those seeking a deep and understanding portrayal of political extremism.