Show Me Democracy

NATIONALLY BROADCAST ON "WE THE DREAMERS" FUSE TV DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Show Me Democracy asks us to examine how a committed group of college students can make a difference in a complex and imperfect system and what methods have the most impact.

Amidst the uprising in Ferguson, MO, seven St. Louis college students evolve into activists as they demand change through policy and protest. The film examines their personal lives and backgrounds as each of them copes with the fallout of Ferguson. Six of the students fight for education policy reform through their internship program and try to create more opportunities for low-income and DACA students in their state. One of the seven joins the Black Lives Matter movement and organizes several protests to demonstrate against ongoing racial injustice. Following her on the ground, the camera captures several of her tension-filled protests including a night in Ferguson when the police tear gas protesters.

Though they are met with continued hostility or apathy, they persist. Their combined actions seek to test the validity of the Margaret Mead quote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

HOST A SCREENING INFO>

A 15-page Educational Resource & Discussion Guide will be emailed following your order

FILMMAKER'S STATEMENT: "My hope is that the film challenges audiences to consider the way they view the Ferguson Movement and the underlying issues of race, poverty, undocumented students, our current educational system and most importantly, what role individuals can play in our messy democracy. As Brittany says, 'Every person has a role to play.' Your voice is a gift and a chance to make sure the idea of 'nothing about, without me' rings true in your community as well. Engagement in democracy is as important now as it has ever been."

-Dan Parris

Preview link available upon request. Contact support@videoproject for more information

A Film by Dan Parris

84 minutes

Scene Selection • Closed Captioned

Grades 9 - Adult

Item #: SMD-1131

Asks us to examine how a committed group of college students can make a difference in a complex and imperfect system

Starting at $89

Licensing Options

K-12 Schools and Public Libraries - $89 K-12 DVD + Digital File - $139 Colleges, Businesses, Other Institutions: DVD - $295 Colleges (DVD with Digital Site License) - $445

Reviews and Festivals

"Parris captures the essence of a grassroots advocacy movement, and his film is fast moving and dramatic. The issues covered are timeless: undocumented students, police brutality, poverty, and housing injustice. A moving, emotional snapshot of policy and protest in Ferguson, MO. Very timely and useful for inviting dialogue and inciting action. It would be appropriate for U.S. history, government, and political science classes."
— School Library Journal

"Show Me Democracy delivers a strong message to our young and diverse audience who are always primed to take on the call of engagement and action."
— Marc Leonard, Fuse Media Senior VP of Content Strategy

"A remarkably balanced story of young St. Louisans coming to grips with the challenges surrounding street protests and political activism...Doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable tensions that arise from protests designed to create 'disruption'."
— Riverfront Times

"A deft job of weaving together the two story strands of advocacy and activism."
— Cliff Froehlich, Director of St. Louis International Film Festival

"Outstanding! I'm a police officer in St. Louis, and this movement is truly taking an affect on how we are changing the way we police and encouraging dialogue between the community and police...Your efforts are making a difference."
— Anonymous St. Louis County Police Officer

"The students I spoke with and myself felt incredibly empowered and motivated by your film. There are so many injustices happening with racism in all spectrums of our city from police brutality to improper education."
— Danielle G, MSW student University of Missouri - St Louis

"An amazing experience in visualizing the power every young person has within them. Representation matters so for our students to see their city and activists that look like them was a tremendous experience."
— Renee Racette, Principal of Carnahan High School

OFFICIAL SELECTION

BronzeLens Film Festival

Covellite Film Festival

Global Peace Film Festival

St. Louis International Film Festival

DocUtah
Awareness Film Festival
Heartland Film Festival
Big Muddy Film Festival
Cinema on the Bayou Film Festivals

SXSW Edu

Lower East Side Film Fest

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