Join or Die

Join or Die

Sloan Foundation Film

Release Date

2023

Director

  • Pete Davis
  • Rebecca Davis

Awards

Centers on America's civic unraveling through the journey of scientist Robert Putnam, whose research on the decline in American community lights a path out of our democracy's present crisis.

    In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.

    Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?

    Photo courtesy of Abramorama

    Possible Topics

    • What makes democracy work?
    • How do communities keep society intact?

    Past Programs

    2024

    Community connections

    Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA