January 21, 2019 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

What is Democracy? That is the question that will be asked during the screening of Astra Taylor’s new film “What is Democracy?” taking place on Friday, January 25 from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Joanne and Peter Kenny Theatre in the King Student Life Centre.

The screening of the film will be presented free to all in attendance, thanks to the National Film Board and the King’s Political Science Students’ Association (KPSSA). Following the screening, there will be a question and answer session with the film’s director, Astra Taylor.

The film’s website (https://zeitgeistfilms.com/film/whatisdemocracy) describes the documentary as an “idiosyncratic, philosophical journey” which discusses democracy through the ages from medieval Greece to the modern-day United States. It also says “if we want to live in democracy, we must first ask what the word even means." 

The film came to the attention of the King’s political science faculty when Dr. Kate Graham, Political Science professor, approached the department with the opportunity to show the documentary and have Astra Taylor be on campus for a Q&A.

“The documentary addresses the current crisis of democracy felt globally. It is also a great opportunity for students and community members to network with Astra Taylor, professors, and each other,” says Renae Pennington, fourth year Honours Specialization student in Political Science with King's Scholar and the King’s University College Students’ Council Political Science representative.

“Given the rise of populism globally, I believe it is incredibly important to consider the state of democracy. Understanding what democracy means will help us think about how we can meaningfully engage with our elected representatives. This will create the conditions which will allow us to create a society that benefits all,” Pennington says.

For more information about the screening of What is Democracy?, visit https://www.kings.uwo.ca/about-kings/visitor-info/calendar-of-events/what-is-democracy-a-documentary-by-astra-taylor/