Just over 40 seconds into “Democracy Noir,” Connie Field’s documentary about contemporary Hungary, the film’s central message becomes clear. After striking opening shots of the Danube and Budapest, viewers see Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—the documentary’s main subject—introducing himself in English to a group of political activists. This is followed by footage of him chatting warmly with Vladimir Putin and then shaking hands with a beaming Donald Trump.
Observant audiences will likely grasp the underlying implication: this is not just a story about the politics of a small central European nation. Instead, the 90-minute film—which opens in the U.S. this week—portrays Orbán’s gradual authoritarian takeover of what was once a liberal democracy, as seen through the eyes of three women: opposition politician Timea Szabó, television journalist Babette Oroszi, and nurse Niko Antal. Its themes resonate widely and feel urgently relevant to American audiences dealing with the aftermath of the Trump era.
“I’d say this is the most zeitgeist-capturing film I’ve ever made,” said Field, an award-winning director whose previous work includes documentaries on the fall of apartheid in South Africa, the U.S. civil rights movement, and the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War.
“One of the greatest dangers we face in the world today is the decline of democracy,” she added. “People think that word is abstract. It’s not. It’s the best system we have to work toward real equality in our societies.”
Field, whose husband is Hungarian, began filming in the country after witnessing a 2014 protest in Budapest’s Liberty Square. Demonstrators were objecting to a memorial commissioned by Orbán’s government that they said wrongly portrayed Hungary’s World War II-era government as a victim, rather than acknowledging its alliance with Nazi Germany.
Her initial goal was to document the erosion of democracy in Hungary—a NATO and EU member—as Orbán relentlessly pursued his vision of an illiberal state. He changed the constitution to tilt election outcomes in his favor, tightened his grip on power, and purged dissent from institutions like the courts, universities, and public broadcasters.
But the rise of Trump—and the growing bond between the two leaders—made the subject strikingly relevant back home in the U.S. Some of Trump’s key supporters have pointed to Hungary as a model for America to follow. Orbán visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago three times in 2024, including shortly after Trump’s election victory over Kamala Harris. In turn, the Trump-aligned conservative group CPAC has held several conferences in Budapest.
Yet Orbán’s ties to Trump have made the documentary a sensitive topic in Washington, D.C., where distributor Clarity Films has struggled to find a local theater willing to screen it. In at least one case, a venue reportedly declined due to concerns about upsetting people connected to the White House.
“One theater owner said they didn’t want to alienate their audience—or some of their audience, or people working for Trump,” Field explained. “They told my distributor they were afraid of alienating half their constituency.”
Separately, a cinema in Boise, Idaho—a strongly Republican state—backed out of an agreement to show the film, claiming there was no local interest.
Field believes recent events—such as the Trump administration’s targeting of immigrants, transgender rights, and other groups—The federal government’s actions will help Americans who see the film clearly recognize the parallels.
“I’ve shown it to some small audiences,” Field said, including at a benefit for Indivisible, a progressive group that has protested against Trump since he returned to the White House. “Their reaction was, ‘Oh my God, this is exactly what’s happening.’ It gave them a complete understanding by highlighting all the strategic similarities. People saw much more clearly what they were up against.”
Field identifies a key commonality between Trump and Orbán, who was once a liberal, Oxford-educated scholar funded by George Soros but underwent a sharp political shift after his center-right government lost the 2002 election. “That loss sent him into a deep depression,” she explained. “So he set out to build a loyal base he could represent.” She compared this to Trump’s creation of the “Make America Great Again” movement.
However, Field also points to sobering and troubling differences, leading her to believe Trump is even more dangerous. While Orbán slowly accumulated autocratic power over several years, Trump is now unleashing what she calls “a complete onslaught” on the U.S.
“He’s making it clear that this is coming for everyone if we’re not careful, starting with the most vulnerable—immigrants. Orbán never had to resort to that,” she noted.
Despite this, Field’s message is hopeful. She believes the U.S. has two advantages in resisting autocratic ambitions that Hungary lacked: the distribution of political power to individual states (unlike Hungary’s centralized system) and the Democrats’ strength as a well-funded opposition party.
In Hungary, despite years of determined resistance—embodied by the three heroines in Field’s film—Orbán remains in power. However, polls suggest his Fidesz party may lose next year’s election to the opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, which would mark the first change in government in 16 years.
“The story I tell is about people resisting no matter what,” said Field. “What matters most to me now is that audiences understand we must fight back and that democracy is essential. I’m deeply inspired by these Hungarian women who have kept up this fight for 12 years without giving up. I find that energizing and hopeful—and I hope American viewers feel the same.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about a documentary drawing parallels between Viktor Orbán and Donald Trump presented in a clear and natural tone
General Beginner Questions
1 What is this documentary about
Its a film that examines the political careers and leadership styles of Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and former US President Donald Trump highlighting the surprising similarities between them
2 Who are Viktor Orbán and Donald Trump
Viktor Orbán is the longserving Prime Minister of Hungary Donald Trump is a businessman and the 45th President of the United States The documentary argues they are both influential populist leaders
3 What are the main similarities the documentary points out
It focuses on their use of nationalist rhetoric their battles with the media their approach to immigration and their claims of fighting a deep state or globalist elite
4 Is this documentary biased
Like many political documentaries it has a perspective It is structured to argue that these parallels exist and are significant so viewers should be aware of its editorial viewpoint
5 Where can I watch this documentary
It would likely be available on streaming platforms known for documentaries or through videoondemand services The specific platform depends on the films distributor
Deeper Advanced Questions
6 Beyond rhetoric what specific governing tactics do they share
The documentary likely explores tactics like appointing loyalists to key positions using state power to benefit allies challenging judicial independence and crafting electoral systems that can favor their parties
7 How does the documentary explain their popularity despite controversy
It probably analyzes their ability to connect with a base of supporters who feel overlooked by traditional politicians by using simple direct messaging and positioning themselves as defenders of national identity
8 Does the film compare their relationships with Russia and Vladimir Putin
This is a common point of analysis The documentary may compare Trumps expressed admiration for Putin with Orbáns actual close economic and political ties to Russia
9 What is illiberal democracy and how is it relevant
Illiberal democracy is a term Orbán has used to describe his system where elections are held but checks on power and minority rights are weakened The film likely argues that both leaders push policies that align with this
