I am a student at the University of Michigan currently pursuing a degree in Statistics. Having traveled to both emerging and thriving democratic countries around the world, I’ve always returned to the U.S. with an interest in exploring just how positively – or, at least, politically efficacious – young people feel about their own government.
During the summer of 2024, I engaged in a Michigan Library Scholars (MLS) research project that will culminate in a three-part film screening series in Fall 2024. The series will focus on topics relevant to democracy, including themes of civic engagement, elections, and voting rights around the world. Through this program, I hope viewers will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the importance of voting and active citizenship. By showcasing stories of peaceful protest, student voting initiatives, and the broader concept of political efficacy, my primary goal is to empower university students and encourage them to actively participate in the democratic process ahead of the 2024 elections.
Cinematic Democracy: Film Screenings for Civic Engagement features three powerful films that delve into the dynamics of democracy, elections, and protest within the United States, China, and South Korea. This initiative aligns with the University of Michigan “Year of Debate and Democracy” theme year and aims to foster an understanding of democracy’s complexities across different cultures and eras.
Throughout the project, my primary objectives were to curate a selection of films that provoke thoughtful discussions about civic engagement. The final deliverables include a detailed screening guide with supplemental resources, promotional materials, a journal documenting stakeholder engagement and other efforts advancing the project, and a presentation in July to library staff and other Michigan Library Scholars.
One of the most exciting opportunities that emerged from my involvement with the MLS project was tapping into U-M’s immense digital catalog. Thanks to my project mentors, I’ve been introduced to several film streaming platforms unique to U-M that allow students access to a number of rare independent documentaries on just about any special topic imaginable. One goal of mine was to bring these collections directly to the student population by including titles found within the Askwith Media Library, Kanopy, and Docuseek.
Although our final series includes only three films: Please Vote for Me (2007), Capturing the Flag (2018), and A Taxi Driver (2018), numerous others were screened and evaluated beforehand to gauge fit and relevance. I strived to select titles that are not only educational but also impactful, focusing on the selected theme while offering excellent storytelling. The films are accessible through U-M’s media collection and seamlessly transition between explorations of voter sentiment in the United States and perspectives from around the world.
One standout film that was not included in the final program is the Spanish-language feature "No," which centers on the 1988 Chilean plebiscite. The protagonist, an advertising man, is tasked with leading the opposition's "No" campaign against Augusto Pinochet. This film poignantly explores the complexities of Chilean government during the 1970s and 1980s, offering a vibrant portrayal of the courage and determination of ordinary citizens who took to the streets in protest, ultimately resulting in the restructuring of Chilean government a few years later.
No emerged as a candidate title early in the project, but I hoped to find a feature film that would speak to a wider audience - especially to students.
The final film in the series, A Taxi Driver (2018), prompts audiences to reflect on the values of democracy and the lengths to which ordinary citizens - many of them students - go to protect it. The film is strong on messaging, flying a slew of banners, pamphlets, and posters to illustrate the demands of the pro-democracy protesters. “Defend democracy to the death” is painted on one such banner when Mr. Kim and Hinzpeter first enter the town. A Taxi Driver almost didn’t make it into the final program due to graphic imagery, but I concluded that the film did an excellent job of portraying the struggle for democracy abroad.
Throughout the project, I had the privilege of working with several mentors who provided guidance and support, working with me through ideation, identifying community stakeholders, and developing activities that would resonate with the undergraduate student population.
My mentors Karen Reiman-Sendi, Learning & Teaching Project Librarian and Josh Harris, Media Librarian, with whom I met weekly, helped guide the project in a direction that is student-friendly but still in tune with current events. Something I kept in mind is that I wanted these events to not become so politicized: instead, I wanted our audience to leave feeling simply that they learned something new, or at least that their vote matters. Our lively discussions week after week gave shape to a project that is geared towards reaching students regardless of political affiliation. I’m thankful for our conversations about the news of the day, our thoughts and critiques on the films, and for the agency and trust that Karen and Josh granted me!
Another notable mentor is Government Information, Law and Political Science Librarian, Catherine Morse, who identified several films of interest that would seamlessly fit into the program. Catherine and I explored differences in legislation across states concerning voter registration, mail-in voting, and the impact of felony convictions on voter eligibility. We pondered the 26th Amendment that, in 1971, lowered the minimum age to vote from 21 to 18 – largely a result of student activists in the Vietnam War era. Catherine’s insights into the stark differences affecting voters across state lines ultimately resulted in the inclusion of Capturing the Flag (2018) in the program.
The mentorship I received was instrumental in shaping Cinematic Democracy: Film Screenings for Civic Engagement. The librarians’ advice not only equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge but also inspired me to lead and execute the series going into the Fall 2024 semester.
I hope to contribute to a broader conversation about democracy and civic engagement within the U-M community through our MLS project. By preparing an informative screening guide and facilitating thoughtful discussions, my goal at large is to inspire action and reflection among viewers. As part of our efforts to support engagement, we are developing a series of supplemental activities designed to encourage active participation among students, such as designing and distributing political buttons modeled after historical buttons in the Labadie Collection, promoting voter registration, and providing a list of other titles within the Askwith Media collection that are relevant to the project. Through these initiatives, we aspire to empower students to become informed and active participants in the democratic process.
