The Librarians

In 2021, Matt Krause, a congressman from Texas, circulated a list of 850 books that he claimed were harmful to young readers. The list appeared to be largely focused on queer themes and issues surrounding race. Shortly thereafter, the governor of Texas demanded the immediate removal of all these books from school libraries – and other states soon followed. The result: a terrifying culture war, in which librarians appear to be the last line of defense. Specific to Cinema ZED Hasselt With a post-screening discussion led by Avansa in collaboration between Bibliotheekvereniging Limburg and the VVBAD. Commentary The conservative American culture war against diversity is also being waged in school libraries. The Librarians , which premiered at Sundance, brings (former) library staff and supporters out of the shadows and in front of the camera in their collective fight against book bans. A hallucinatory portrait of a modern-day witch hunt, and an urgent warning against censorship and blind obedience. Using archival footage and new testimonies, Oscar-nominated director Kim A. Snyder ( Death By Numbers ) exposes how censorship has become part of a broader political campaign to take control of school boards. ,