Think Outside the (Ballot) Box: Strengthening Democracy in Your Backyard

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Think Outside the (Ballot) Box: Strengthening Democracy in Your Backyard Film Screening + Panel Discussion Featured documentary: Dukakis: Recipe for Democracy Hosted and moderated by Dr. Nancy Pearson Wednesday, July 9 Doors 6:30pm / Documentary Screening 7pm / Discussion 7:30pm $12 Members / $15 - $40 General Admission (pay-what-you-choose) Seated Presented by 3S Artspace in partnership with Dr. Nancy Pearson, join us for a screening of Dukakis: Recipe for Democracy, followed by a moderated panel discussion. Meet the filmmakers and other panelists for an insightful discussion on the themes of the film: public service; community; civic engagement, and the ongoing experiment of American democracy. Ask questions, and learn how strengthening democracy is most effective with small acts close to home. Featured Panelists: Kate Cook, Portsmouth City Council member Beth Falconer, Executive Director, 3S Artspace Byron Matto, Portsmouth School Board member Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, NH Senate Minority Leader Jeff Schmidt, filmmaker Erin Trahan, filmmaker -- About the film: Upon accepting the Democratic nomination for president in 1988, Michael Dukakis tells his fellow citizens that when they see an image of the White House, he wants them to feel pride. He pledges to serve in a White House that "sets high standards not just for the American people, but high standards for itself." Dukakis catches up with the unflappable three-term Massachusetts governor three decades later. On a snowy afternoon, in the same Brookline, Massachusetts duplex he bought with his wife Kitty more than 50 years ago, he pulls a frozen turkey carcass from the freezer and starts chopping onions. While soup broth simmers, Dukakis takes viewers on a journey along his long arc of leadership, reflecting on his formative years as the son of Greek immigrants up to the present. At age 85, he mentors budding public servants as a college professor. He also chairs a commission to connect Boston’s North and South rail stations – a project he has backed since the 1970s. Meanwhile a crop of new leaders – including Northeastern University undergraduate Juan Gallego, also a son of immigrants – carries Dukakis’ legacy forward all the way to the governor’s office. “Democracy is a work in progress,” says Dukakis as he fills a bowl with steaming soup. “A precious gift that needs constant nurturing.” Amidst unprecedented uncertainty in American politics, Dukakis offers a reason to pause, take stock in the past, and look forward with renewed faith in what’s possible when people believe in democracy, and each other. Directed & Produced by Erin Trahan, Jeff Schmidt Cinematography Alistair Wilson, Allie Humenuk, Ben Pender-Cudlip, Kevin Belli, Tim O’Donnell Editor Jeff Schmidt Research & Story Consultant Maria Letunic Original Score Joel Roston Graphic Design NiFe (Jennifer) Lucey-Brzoza | Oyay Animation Colin Hazard Post Production Modulus Studios Archival Consultant Heather Merrill Website & Poster Tyler Prendergast