Decisions made by the Trump administration have had immediate and far-reaching consequences, affecting thousands of children and adults in countries suffering from humanitarian crises, the people of Ukraine and Palestine, and even American women and transgender individuals. Next week, One World Festival will present a selection of films that provide crucial context for understanding the current actions of the U.S. administration.  

The films White House Effect and Night Is Not Eternal cast a spotlight on American presidents, whose mandates shape global affairs. Directed by trio Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk, and Pedro Kos, White House Effect takes its name from a rephrasing of the term “greenhouse effect,” which was used in the late 1980s by then-presidential candidate George H. W. Bush. While Bush initially framed climate change as a nonpartisan and objective issue, his presidency ultimately became a period of intensified political polarization around the topic—a divide that persists to this day. White House Effect highlights the far-reaching consequences of a president’s decisions and the impact of their election itself.  

In the documentary Night Is Not Eternal, Cuban activist Rosa and director Nanfu are united by their shared democratic values. However, after Rosa emigrates to the United States, an ideological divide emerges between them—while Nanfu observes unsettling similarities between Chinese and American capitalism, Rosa becomes a supporter of Donald Trump. Night Is Not Eternal examines questions surrounding democracy in an era when political power distorts its original meaning.  

The films Separated, Stone Mountain and Zurawski v Texas shed light on some of the most controversial political issues of recent years. The documentary film Separated takes audiences to the U.S.-Mexico border, where, during Donald Trump’s first term in office, tens of thousands of children were systematically separated from their parents. Oscar-winning director Errol Morris provides a behind-the-scenes look at the “zero tolerance” policy, identifying the key figures responsible for its implementation.   

Meanwhile, Stone Mountain, delves into the racist past and present of the United States through the controversial monument depicting three Confederate leaders in the state of Georgia. Director Daniel Kaufman explores a local community divided not only over the interpretation of history but also over the direction society should take.  

In Zurawski v Texas, filmmakers Maisie Crow and Abbie Perrault tell the harrowing story of Amanda Zurawski, who was denied access to an abortion in Texas—even when her life was at risk. Accompanied by her lawyer, Amanda embarks on a legal battle for justice and systemic change. Amanda Zurawski will join the post-film discussion online.