Why These Political Documentaries About the Insurrection and Abortion Rights Could Be Even More Relevant After Election Day

As a seasoned movie reviewer who has witnessed the political landscape shift like leaves on a windy autumn day, I can confidently say that this year’s slate of documentaries is not just a cinematic tour de force, but a vital call to arms for every American citizen. These films, tackling pressing issues from immigration to abortion and the Jan. 6 insurrection, are more than mere entertainment; they are time capsules of our collective struggle, serving as reminders of what we’ve endured and warnings of what may yet come.

2024 Presidential election contenders Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump face off against documentaries this year addressing pressing political matters such as immigration, abortion, and the Jan. 6 insurrection. Some films like Errol Morris’ “Separated” on immigration control and Matt Tyrnauer’s “Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid” secured distribution deals with MSNBC and CNN before Election Day. However, numerous other documentaries that have been or will be self-distributed offer insights beneficial for American voters on both sides, long after the election.

With tensions running high as Democrats and Republicans prepare for potential disputes and lengthy legal challenges after the election results, documentaries such as “64 Days: The Road to Insurrection,” “The Last Republican,” and “Zurawski V. Texas” might prove to be more insightful than ever before for viewers.

Nick Quested, a director, joined and filmed with the Proud Boys and other extreme right-wing groups in the period before the January 6th, 2021 uprising. He later transformed his footage into “64 Days: The Road to Insurrection,” offering a personal perspective on the plan to undermine the 2020 election results.

The creator himself, who recently posted the documentary on Vimeo last month, asserts that his movie will continue to be significant in the coming months.

According to Quested, if Trump wins, the film becomes a protest piece as his tactics are consistent and familiar. On the other hand, if Harris wins, it serves as a cautionary tale of potential future events. The film, ’64 Days’, remains pertinent beyond the election since it focuses on the time between the election and inauguration day. This period is significant because we’re witnessing similar events unfold yet again, such as challenges to mail-in ballots, training of poll workers for litigation purposes, pressure on election officials, refusals to certify elections and the Electoral College, and state legislators resisting certification. In essence, the movie continues to be relevant post-election due to these recurring issues.

Maisie Crow and Abbie Perrault’s self-released documentary “Zurawski v Texas,” which tells the story of women who almost lost their lives due to Texas’s overly restrictive abortion laws, was screened in theaters in New York, Los Angeles, and cities throughout Texas on October 25. The filmmaking pair remain optimistic that it will secure traditional distribution, but have also embraced alternative methods for distribution as a means of dissemination. They plan to continue this approach post-election, as they believe the documentary serves as a nonpartisan educational tool.

Crow states, “I believe this election won’t alter the immediate accessibility of (abortion) services for the short term. Therefore, regardless of who becomes the winner, Texas remains in the same predicament as other states with abortion restrictions. I strongly recommend that everyone, including men and women, should watch this film to truly grasp the practical implications of abortion bans.

Crow points out that since the movie premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, it’s been utilized as a platform for discussions on abortion, serving as a tool for civil dialogue.

Crow remarks, “Often, people tell us they find our movie’s narratives particularly useful for discussions with relatives or friends who hold differing views on abortion.

Steve Pink likewise wishes that his documentary “The Last Republican,” focusing on ex-U.S. Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger who risked his career by publicly pushing for accountability regarding Donald Trump’s involvement in the 2021 uprising, could also serve as a means to foster constructive dialogue following the election.

According to Pink, civil dialog is crucial for the prosperity of our society and communities. Unfortunately, we’re incredibly divided, and there’s an overwhelming amount of animosity, making it seem almost unattainable to engage with contrasting viewpoints, even from those we hold dear.

Pink, who openly identifies as a progressive on the liberal spectrum, discovered the art of communicating with opposing viewpoints during the documentary’s production process.

Pink explains that as her friendship with Adam grew during filming, she found it easier to discuss topics she cared about without the emotional burden. What she’s discovered and improved upon over time is recognizing that everyone should be considered a friend. This perspective encourages openness to others’ opinions, even if immediate agreement isn’t present, because you won’t lash out at them just because they are your friend.

The movie titled “The Last Republican” is set to debut in cinemas nationwide across the U.S. on November 22, approximately two weeks following the election date.

Pink predicts that there will be attempts to manipulate and discredit the election results following November 5th. This could lead to challenging times for America this autumn and winter. Regardless of political affiliations, I encourage everyone to watch ‘The Last Republican.’ No matter what the outcome, it’s crucial we learn how to discuss differing viewpoints effectively.

2024-11-05 04:48

Why These Political Documentaries About the Insurrection and Abortion Rights Could Be Even More Relevant After Election Day

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