A short film directed by Watertown’s Margo Guernsey will be shown during a special screening at West Newton Cinema in March. Following the screening, a conversation will be held featuring the filmmakers. See details in the announcement provided by the West Newton Cinema, below.
Two short documentaries that shed light on public service, civic engagement, and fair elections will screen as part of a larger conversation about the value of government and the individuals who help democracy function and thrive.
“Dukakis: Recipe for Democracy” offers an intimate look at the unflappable former Massachusetts governor, Michael Dukakis, three decades after his historic presidential bid. “The Officials” tracks how elections officials in four battleground states prepare for the 2024 presidential election despite organized attempts to undermine their nonpartisan work.
The two films will screen as a double-feature (55 minute total run time) at the West Newton Cinema on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 pm. Film directors Margo Guernsey of Watertown, Jeff Schmidt of Salem, and Erin Trahan of Marblehead will attend for post-film conversation.
Election expert Costas Panagopoulos, distinguished professor of political science at Northeastern University and frequent media guest, will moderate the conversation.
Government workers, past, present and future – including election officials and volunteers – are strongly encouraged to attend to be recognized for their service and participate in a public conversation following the films.
The event is part of West Newton Cinema’s new series, Local Spotlight, a showcase for recent work by Boston-area filmmakers. Purchase film tickets here.
About West Newton Cinema: In 2023, members of the Newton community rallied to save the West Newton Cinema by forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with plans to revitalize the theater currently underway.