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Austrian Political Party Criticizes Public Funding for Documentary About SPÖ Politician

festival-fair · 2026-03-24

The Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) has criticized the allocation of public funding for the documentary film 'Wahlkampf,' which follows SPÖ politician Andreas Babler during the 2024 National Council election campaign. Director Harald Friedl stated at the film's premiere during the Diagonale festival that Babler had no editorial control over the final cut. The Austrian Film Institute provided over €300,000 in production support for the documentary, which is scheduled for theatrical release on April 24.

Key facts

  • The FPÖ criticized public funding for documentary 'Wahlkampf'
  • The film follows SPÖ politician Andreas Babler during 2024 election campaign
  • Director Harald Friedl said Babler had no editorial control over final cut
  • The Austrian Film Institute provided over €300,000 in production funding
  • The documentary premiered at Diagonale festival and opens in theaters April 24

Entities

Artists

  • Harald Friedl

Institutions

  • Austrian Film Institute (ÖFI)
  • Diagonale

Locations

  • Vienna
  • Austria

Sources