In the turbulent wake of Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017, renowned actor and artist Shia LaBeouf and his artist friends, unveiled an ambitious live stream art project titled 'HE WILL NOT DIVIDE US.’ Intended to span the entirety of Trump's presidential term, this project was envisioned as a beacon of unity and resistance in a politically charged climate. Their hope was to establish a space for dialogue, reflection, and solidarity in face of what they perceived as growing national division.
However, the course of the project took unexpected turns. While initially capturing a fervent and spirited display of resistance against the polarizing presidential election outcome, the live stream soon became a target for internet mischief. Instead of serving as a canvas for democratic expression, it was hijacked and turned into a meme by users from 4CHAN. This shift from its original intent didn't just alter the nature of the project, but attracted a relentless wave of internet trolls. These individuals, emerging from the obscure recesses of the internet, saw it as their personal quest to disrupt, manipulate, and ultimately dismantle Shia's vision.
The narrative not only charts the life of the art project but delves deeper into the cultural wars of the internet era. It is a tale of intent versus interpretation, of art clashing with digital subculture, and the unpredictable power of the online masses. Through this, we are led to question: In an age of internet anarchy, can genuine art and message resist distortion?
Director Josiah McGarvie will be in attendance for a Q&A
Friday 20th October
106 min
15+
Film Festival
