Documentary ‘Join or Die’ to Kick Off In Real Life Movie Club, Created For Americans Seeking Connections Across the Political Divide

As someone who has always cherished the power of cinema to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations, I am thrilled about the launch of the In Real Life Movie Club. The idea behind this non-profit initiative aligns perfectly with my belief that democracies thrive when we gather in real life to discuss and connect.


On September 15th, a nationwide screening of the feature documentary “Join or Die” by Rebecca and Peter Davis will initiate the first In Real Life Movie Club, an in-person film series designed for U.S. audiences to meet and converse about their local communities while discussing contemporary themes found in independently produced documentaries. This non-profit organization aims to foster engagement and dialogue among its members.

On September 15th, which is known as International Day of Democracy, the documentary will be played in more than 50 movie theaters nationwide. Members of IRL Movie Club are invited to flaunt their club spirit by donning their preferred club t-shirt, hat, or badge during the screening.

The founder and CEO of documentary distribution agency, Roco Films, Annie Roney, holds the position of president for the IRL (In Real Life) Movie Club board. She revealed that the concept behind the IRL series originated from her viewing the documentary titled “Join or Die.”

“In the movie, Putnam contends that democracy withers away when we cease to gather in person to discuss and bond. I’d extend this thought to include the importance of public access to reliable information. Regrettably, it’s no longer commonplace for independent documentaries that spark dialogue on relevant topics to be regularly aired on TV, broadcast, cable, or streaming platforms. Consequently, we are taking action to make a difference.”

Roney mentions that the non-profit aims to assist filmmakers, local theater groups, and notably, individuals in America who strive to foster genuine connections among people from different political viewpoints.

Real Life Movies Inc., a non-profit organization, is currently accepting donations for the purpose of supporting the Interactive Real Life (IRL) Movie Club. Furthermore, Art House Convergence, an association comprising more than 1200 independent cinemas, has partnered with IRL Movies to expand the series into smaller communities across the country. Theaters involved in this project will receive screening packages containing promotional materials and resources for community outreach activities.

“Lela Meadow-Conner, Art House Convergence’s board president, expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative because it harnesses the influence of independent films to bring communities together and encourage active community involvement,” says the statement. “This aligns with our goal of advocating for independent exhibitors as vital cultural centers.”

In simple terms, the IRL Movie Community organizes screenings of documentaries across the country every three months, focusing on content that benefits society and not financial gain. Cinemas and filmmakers are compensated by the club’s donors to participate, ensuring affordable tickets for attendees. Those with a free membership in the IRL Movie Club can buy tickets at just $5 each. All ticket revenues will be reinvested into this non-profit organization.

“The movie titled ‘Join or Die’ is set to be shown in several cities such as Dallas, Detroit, Seattle, and also in the Roxie Theater located in San Francisco.”

“Lex Sloan, executive director of the Roxie Theater and a member of the Art House Convergence board, excitedly announces a fresh chance for independent art house cinemas: the IRL Movie Club. This platform selects contemporary and pertinent indie films, offering resources to stimulate audience engagement. With this tool, venues such as the Roxie Theater in San Francisco are given the means to flourish as dynamic cultural hotspots.”

In a shared announcement, Rebecca and Peter Davis, directors and siblings of “Join or Die,” expressed that numerous individuals have found Putnam’s work as a transformative experience in their lives – understanding the principles to tackle the current civic crisis and inspiring them to take action within their own communities and institutions. The aim of the film is to create this transformative moment for an additional million Americans, providing them with fresh insights on the sociological causes of our civic crisis.

The IRL Movie Club, by its very nature, aims to be simple, organic, and centered around community interaction. Instead of the usual Q&A following a movie’s showing, members are encouraged to greet their fellow audience members and discuss the film long after it has ended. Each cinema will assign a host to welcome attendees before the screening and facilitate discussions post-screening.

The next IRL Movie Club screening be this winter.

Read More

2024-08-20 23:47