Watch Election Day: Lens Across America

Election Day: Lens Across America is a 2017 documentary film directed by Katy Chevigny, exploring the political landscape of America during the tumultuous 2016 presidential election. The film follows a diverse group of citizen journalists as they document voter experiences across the country on Election Day. The film captures the range of emotions felt by Americans during the election, from feeling excited and hopeful about the possibility of electing the first female president, to feeling uncertain and conflicted about the future of their country. The documentary is not a partisan piece, rather it shows how Americans of all political affiliations were affected during that time.

Mark Abramson, a freelance journalist and photographer, is one of the citizen journalists featured in the film. Abramson travels across the country, from rural towns to big cities, talking to voters of all stripes about their thoughts on the election. He documents the long lines outside polling places, the passionate rallies, and everything in between. Abramson’s journey is particularly interesting because he is an ex-convict who regained his right to vote after serving time in prison.

Sheila Pree Albright, a veteran journalist and former CNN correspondent, is another citizen journalist featured in the film. Albright takes on the role of a moderator for a town hall debate in North Carolina, which becomes a touchstone for a community divided by the election. Although North Carolina is a swing state, Albright shows how deeply it is split along economic, racial, and ideological lines.

Sam Cannon, a young filmmaker who is also featured, travels to his hometown in Texas to document the election scene there. Cannon’s focus is on the Latino community, a group that is often ignored or misrepresented by mainstream media. He speaks with members of the community who are afraid to vote because of anti-immigrant rhetoric, which was prominent during the election. Cannon’s story shows how important it is to have diverse voices in journalism.

The film also features a variety of other perspectives, including an Afghan immigrant who is eligible to vote for the first time, a black mother who is concerned about the future of her son, and a former soldier who is struggling with PTSD. The documentary is all-encompassing, showing how the election affected a broad range of Americans.

Election Day: Lens Across America is not just a documentary about the election, it is also a commentary on the role of citizen journalism in documenting events that shape our society. The film shows how citizen journalists, armed with smartphones and social media, are increasingly filling gaps left by mainstream media. These journalists are vital because they can capture grassroots voices that are often drowned out in the news cycle.

The documentary is especially relevant in today’s political climate where fake news and alternative facts have become pervasive. It shows the power of storytelling in shaping public opinion and how media can help promote civic engagement.

Overall, Election Day: Lens Across America is a powerful and insightful film that captures the essence of America during the 2016 presidential election. The film is moving, raw, and honest, and the citizen journalists featured in it are relatable, passionate, and courageous. The film is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the political landscape of America and the role of media in shaping public discourse.