CIFF

Join or Die

CIFF Streams

April 2, 2023 - April 9, 2023

directed by
Rebecca Davis
directed by
Peter Davis
year
2022
country
USA
runtime
100
closed captions
Yes
audio description
No
english subtitles
No
film contact
Delevan Street Films
film contact email
[email protected]
film website
joinordie.film

Harvard professor and award-winning writer Robert Putnam, originally from Port Clinton, Ohio, makes a case for social capital, insisting that joining any type of group—be it a community organization or school club or even a bowling league—is the key to promoting democracy and fixing an increasingly divided country. —M.G.


Political scientist Robert Putnam’s life work is about social capital, and his study of the decline in American community engagement culminated in his influential book Bowling Alone. In JOIN OR DIE, Putnam’s findings serve as a launching pad for activism. The film posits clubs and associations as a cornerstone of American democracy, while also unpacking the many societal and economic factors that have contributed to our downturn in civic involvement. With surprisingly upbeat imagery and interview appearances from such political figures as Hillary Clinton and Pete Buttigieg, this documentary shows the impact of America’s pivot from communal participation to individualism and offers hope and strategy for the future. —C.F.


GUEST(S) ARE SCHEDULED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE FOR Q&A


This film is presented in loving memory of MARY LOU BROWN and JUDY GREENING SHEPHERD.

CIFF47 Streams
Local Heroes Competition
Reel Women Direct Award for Excellence in Directing By a Woman

Film Sponsors

The Center for Community Solutions
Cari Linden Stafford and Thomas G. Stafford Jr.
Ulmer & Berne LLP

Community Partners

The City Club of Cleveland
Cleveland Leadership Center
League of Women Voters Greater Cleveland