Show Me Democracy

Show Me Democracy is a compelling documentation of activism, the struggle for education equality, and the fight for democracy in restive 21st-century America. This documentary is cast as a direct response to the Ferguson unrest, covering the subsequent political and civic responses to the events. It was led in 2017 by Karissa Anderson and Brittany Ferrell, both of whom have been instrumental in the activism and civic leadership initiatives in Ferguson, Missouri.

The film opens amid the unrest in Ferguson, an event triggered by the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old African American. The unrest and protests stirred by this event directly challenge the racial and societal structures of a divided society. At this critical point, the movie introduces its protagonists, who are students and young activists passionately advocating for educational rights and racial justice.

Karissa Anderson, one of the main personalities in the film, is a bright and relentless student leader and advocate. She has committed herself to fight systemic inequalities in higher education. Her energy and dedication spur her determination towards educational reform.

On the other hand, Brittany Ferrell is a well-known activist and leader in Ferguson. The hardships of the struggles on the streets have bolstered her courage and resilience. Through her lens, the viewers of the film get a glimpse into the challenges and setbacks that exist in the fight for justice and fairness.

The young activists, along with six others, form a coalition and call themselves "Scholarship Activists". This group passionately works to elevate their voices above the noise of the turmoil and champion the issue of equal access to education. The movie showcases their hurdles, resolve, and relentlessness against a backdrop of racial tension and civil dissatisfaction.

As the story unfolds, viewers get to experience the dramatic intersection of educational inequality, civic activism, and justice in a democracy. The film follows the lives of these budding activists who are maneuvering through the complex terrain of contemporary American democracy while resisting systemic barriers and social unrest.

The activism and lobbying strategies they use to negotiate with institutional bureaucracy and hardened politicians also form a crucial part of the plot. Their journey from student advocates to political activists is intriguing, loaded with layers of emotional and civic struggles that touch on the deep-seated societal issues that America grapples with.

Show Me Democracy captures the journey of these talented, driven youths, while exposing the viewers to the reality of the harsh socio-political landscape in America. Influenced by immediate political events, the film's characters and narrative unflinchingly stare into the face of adversity. Their determined spirit challenges the systems of established structural inequalities.

The film is directed by Dan Parris, a renowned documentary filmmaker. His vision translates strongly into the film as he admirably captures the pain, strength, and endurance of the activists. The camera work and soundtrack effectively mirror the emotional undercurrent of the narrative, deepening the impact of the story on the audience.

Parris’ heavily involved and intimate style of storytelling carries the viewers along, inviting them to share in the activists' experiences, failures, and triumphs. The filmmaker manages to balance the gravity of the discourse with the personal narratives of the activists, contributing an emotional appeal to this politically charged film.

Show Me Democracy goes beyond being a simple documentary; it's an authentic depiction of the endurance and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, all while grappling with the challenge of systemic injustice. It's a reminder of the strength of democracy, as well as its complexities, and the essential role each civilian has in fostering and maintaining it.

The film does an exceptional job of putting a human face on the issues of systemic racial and educational inequality. Therefore, it is highly recommended for individuals keen on understanding the nuances of activism, advocacy, and the quest for fairness and justice in the modern American societal and political landscape.