Airdate: A Song Called Hate

Documentary streamer iwonder will premiere 2020’s A Song Called Hate, the story of how Iceland’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest set out to use Tel Aviv’s hosting of the 2019 event to draw attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, facing down opposition, hostility and intimidation in the process.

The satirical punk band, who were constrained by ESC rules about political statements, nevertheless held up a Palestinian flag from the green room after their performance. The EBU fined Icelandic broadcaster €5,000, the lowest possible punishment.

iwonder CEO, James Bridges, says of the film: “A Song Called Hate is an inspiring story of hope, bravery and selflessness, as a group of young artists guided by their conscience put themselves at risk to fight a battle far from their own doorstep. Thought-provoking, touching and at times, incredibly tense, behind Hatari’s confronting façade, we come to know a group of soulful, empathic individuals just trying to do what they think is right, despite what it might mean for each of them when it comes time to face the music.”

When satirical, anti-capitalist, BDSM techno band, Hatari, releases an unexpectedly huge hit in their native Iceland, they are chosen as their country’s official entry into the Eurovision Song Contest. A rare opportunity then presents itself for the young band to get serious about their message and stage what would become one of the most internationally televised live political protests in the competition’s history.

The band’s journey from Reykjavik to Tel Aviv becomes the vehicle for an often funny, always fascinating cinematic exploration of the freedom of expression, the social responsibility of creative individuals in our confused world, and the role of art as an agent for change.

With unique access to Hatari in Israel, as the band members wrestle with the responsibility they feel to provide a voice for the voiceless, without making themselves targets of abuse, this documentary examines how these young artists cope, both on and off stage, and how they navigate criticism, when it comes from all sides.

Thursday February 24th on iwonder.