No Umbrella – Election Day In The City
Laura Paglin
USA | 2006 | 26mins | Beta | Colour
This is an unblinking look at the 2004 US Election Day failures in one of Ohio’s poorest neighbourhoods. In the most hotly contested state in the country, gridlock at inner city polls ignited tempers and sets of charges of conspiracy. We are dropped squarely into the chaos as we watch an irascible octogenarian take on polling place breakdowns, an unresponsive bureaucracy and an increasingly agitated electorate.
The hand-held cinematography is an ideal choice for the subject matter as it manages to capture the immediateness and frustration of this fateful day. We are witness to the chronic disorganisation from the top to the bottom tiers of the American electoral practices.
The primary focus is on Fannie Lewis, a courageous councilwoman who takes it upon herself to battle the complete lack of organisation and what she sees as the racially and politically motivated sabotage. In her own words, she sums up the incredulous nature of the situation she finds herself in: We’ve prayed for rain but forgot to bring an umbrella.
Will be screened with Lick Salt
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