Election Day: Lens Across America

Election Day: Lens Across America is a captivating, thrilling, and thought-provoking documentary that explores the political landscape of the United States during one of the country's most pivotal times. Directed by Henry Jacobson and Emma Tammi, the documentary follows the events of one of the most contentious and controversial election days in U.S. history, November 8, 2016.

Election Day: Lens Across America leverages the artful medium of photography to convey an intensely profound narrative. The documentary's central focus are seven accomplished photographers - Mark Abramson, Sheila Pree Bright, Sam Cannon, Landon Nordeman, Justine Kurland, Lucian Perkins and Martin Parr, each sent to different corners of the United States to capture both the vibrancy and grimness of the country on this monumental day.

Navigating through the bustling cities and the tranquil countryside, these photographers interact with a myriad of Americans to comprehend their mood, perspective, and reactions on this decisive day. It underscores the raw emotion, anxiety, uncertainty, and excitement that enveloped the nation during the 2016 presidential election.

Mark Abramson, an experienced photojournalist who specializes in political coverage, narrates his journey while moving through New York, sampling the varying sentiments of the diverse city's population. Simultaneously, Shelia Pree Bright ventures off into Atlanta, Georgia, capturing the pulse of the South, within a primarily African-American community. As she navigates through the region, the stories told through her camera lens provide a profound insight into the political thoughts and opinions of the people.

On the other side of the country, Sam Cannon explores the liberal strongholds in California, making a point to engage with LGBTQ+ communities and environmental activists, among others. His powerful images echo the spirit of these Californians during this epoch-making moment. In parallel, Justine Kurland traverses the rural heartlands of Connecticut, employing her lens to give a face to the average rural American citizen, exploring their fears, hopes and aspirations tied to the election.

Interweaving the journeys of these photographers, the documentary seamlessly blends an intimate shot-by-shot narrative with the broader political context, providing viewers with a formidable amalgamation of individual perspectives painted against a uniquely American backdrop.

Election Day: Lens Across America doesn't shy away from the stark contrasts that underscore the U.S. socio-political landscape. Instead, the film embraces it, showcasing the compelling disparity in diverse American communities and their political beliefs. Yet, there’s a connecting thread in the sense of anticipation and tension felt across the nation.

From the desolate roads of rural America to the busy street corners in the country's bustling cities, the film exposes the multifaceted face of America, an amalgamation of cultures, socioeconomic statuses, and political leanings, each privy to their own set of realities during the election. These contrasts are expertly captured through the unique styles of the featured photographers, who each bring their own distinct perspectives and photographic styles to the table.

One of the standout aspects of this documentary is the neutrality it maintains throughout the feature. There’s no attempt to promote a particular political agenda, bias, or perspective. Instead, the documentary portrays an unbiased, non-partisan narrative that seeks to capture the authentic emotions of Americans spanning across the country on this notable election day.

Election Day: Lens Across America does a remarkable job of humanizing the political process. It shifts focus from the vitriolic debate, pundit commentary, and poll predictions to give viewers a glimpse into the lived experiences of the everyday American citizens whose lives are directly impacted by the casting of these votes.

A must-watch for anyone interested in American politics, the media, and photography, Election Day: Lens Across America is a riveting narrative that guarantees an immersive viewing experience, encouraging viewers to reflect on the broad spectrum of American social and political life. It is a testament to the power of photojournalism and a sobering exploration of democracy in action. The film offers an insightful look into what it meant to be an American in a time of significant political change.