The Council of Europe’s Journalists Matter Campaign participated in this year’s Press Play Prague International Film Festival, themed “Journalists Under Pressure”. 

The collaboration underscored the intersection of culture, public awareness, and media freedom, drawing attention to the challenges journalists face across Europe and the essential role of society in defending them.

On 9 October, the Journalists Matter Campaign supported the screening of the documentary Big Boys Gone Bananas!, which recounts filmmaker Fredrik Gertten’s encounter with a corporate SLAPP. The film vividly illustrated the unbalanced dynamics inherent in such lawsuits and highlighted the real-world consequences for journalists and filmmakers who expose wrongdoing.

A post-screening debate with the director provided unique insights into the pressures faced by journalists under attack. Key messages from the discussion included:

• Cooperation among stakeholders is critical. Fredrik Gertten was able to ultimately prevail in his case thanks to coordinated support from civil society, media networks, and public advocacy.
• Solidarity among journalists and civil society strengthens resilience against intimidation. Sharing experiences and standing together reinforces protection for independent reporting.
• Public engagement matters. Awareness and support from audiences can influence the broader societal environment, making it more difficult for SLAPPs to succeed in silencing critical voices.

The event reinforced the Council of Europe’s holistic approach to defending freedom of expression: combining standard setting and concrete activities, such as capacity building  with cultural and public engagement to promote awareness, strengthen protections for journalists, and foster collaboration between the media, civil society, and judicial actors.