Journalist and filmmaker Barbara Serra joins the University of Birmingham's Scott Lucas and Daniele Albertazzi to discuss her documentary, "Fascism in the Family", about her personal and journalistic perspectives on fascism and the far right in Italy, and how looking at the country that invented the word Fascism could help the rest of the world tackle rising authoritarianism.

Barbara Serra is Italian/British and has been a presenter and correspondent with Al Jazeera English since 2006, having previously worked for the BBC and Sky News. Her documentary is based upon her grandfather's role in the Mussolini regime between the two world wars. Through her personal and journalistic journey investigating his life and activities, Barbara questions how Italy has dealt with its fascist past to assess the allure of authoritarianism then and now. Using Italy as the starting point, the conversation will draw parallels with other countries and cultures, at a time when fascism seems to be resurfacing around the world.

This event is part of a wider Society from your Sofa festival taking place between 7-15 November 2020. Events will include a range of talks, interactive panel debates, film screenings and online exhibitions – discussing the current issues facing our society and challenges for the future. This year’s festival has gone virtual, and as you cannot come to us, we are bringing society to your sofa!

Society from your Sofa is part of the nationwide ESRC Festival of Social Sciences which showcases how pioneering social, economic and political research impacts everyday life.