About this Event
is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary (co-directed by a sister-brother team from Falls Church), follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary Harvard 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, Senator Mike Lee, Secretary 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?
Come one, come all to the Falls Church premiere for a screening of JOIN OR DIE — followed by a Q&A and community conversation with co-directors (and Falls Church locals) Rebecca Davis and Pete Davis.
Doors open at 1:30 PM.
Screening starts at 2 PM.
Q&A starts immediately following the screening, at 3:45 PM.
To get in touch with the organizers, contact [email protected].
JOIN OR DIE Trailer below:
https://vimeo.com/737884603
Early Praise for JOIN OR DIE:
"The seeming irreparable divisions in our country have been a hot topic of this year’s SXSW entries, but one documentary is preoccupied with finding solutions." -Austin Monthly, The Films We Loved Most at SXSW
"The film, like Putnam’s work, is engrossing and, ultimately, convincing. It’s hard to watch without feeling the personal impact of Putnam’s ideas in your own life – the social disconnection, the apathy, the cynicism – and as the credits roll you might just find yourself wanting to join a bowling league." -Archer Parquette, Milwaukee Magazine
"Join or Die, a documentary, did justice to the incredulity of its premise, treating the concept of social capital and the power of joining groups with a necessary seriousness, but keeping the tone approachable.” -Culture Map Austin, Our 12 favorite films, parties, and moments from SXSW 2023
"Join or Die made me feel more motivated to do something than perhaps any movie I've ever seen." -Ryan Scott, Slash Film
"Most inspiring movie I've seen so far at SXSW…I want to join all the clubs now" -Dan Gentile, SFGATE
"Striking Visual Bombshell About Decline of Membership Clubs Delivers Wake-Up Call” -David McDonald, FilmBook
"Join or Die proves itself vital and relevant, a necessary documentary that promises the conversation will continue long after the credits have rolled." -Stephanie Archer, Film Inquiry
"[Putnam's] an affable, sensitive person and a wonderful camera subject who never seems calculated, withholding, or insincere." -Matt Zoller Seitz, RogerEbert.com
"[A] sense of humor, bolstered by a plucky voiceover, cute animations, and clever editing quick with a punch line, is all over Join or Die." -Brianna Caleria, CultureMap Austin
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Meridian High School Auditorium, 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, United States
USD 0.00
