JIFF: The Mad Dog of Europe

The Mad Dog of Europe

A JIFF screening presented in collaboration with Australian Friends of the Hebrew University

What happens when the warning signs are there, but the world chooses not to see them?

The Mad Dog of Europe tells the remarkable story of Herman Mankiewicz, best known as the co-writer of Citizen Kane, and a screenplay he wrote in the 1930s exposing the growing threat of Hitler and Nazi Germany. It was a film Hollywood refused to make, deemed too controversial at a time when speaking out demanded courage.

Following the screening, join psychotherapist, filmmaker and Hebrew University alumna Hadass Segal for a thought-provoking discussion exploring the film through the lenses of psychology, Jewish history and cinema, and considering why its questions still resonate today.

Why do intelligent people fail to recognise danger? What responsibility do artists have in times of rising authoritarianism? When does neutrality become complicity? And what psychological forces allow dogma to flourish?

Together, we will reflect on what Mankiewicz’s story can teach us about recognising danger, finding the courage to speak out, and the consequences when warnings go unheard.

Thursday 29 October, 6pm

Ritz Cinemas Randwick