A border and barbeque aren’t the only things Virginia and North Carolina have in common. The two states also have some of the most gerrymandered districts in the country. Cozy relationships between regulators and industry are another commonality. A new film called Democracy for Sale featuring NC native and comedian Zach Galifianakis puts a spotlight on the ways big money political interests have influenced the drawing of district lines and led to a lack of environmental protection and tax cuts for the upper class and corporations, education cuts, gerrymandering, and laws designed to decrease voter turnout.
After a successful tour of Democracy for Sale in North Carolina, we’re excited to bring the film to Virginia on a statewide tour beginning on September 19th. The showings are presented by the Virginia Civic Engagement Table in partnership with local organizations throughout the state. Each screening event will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with local leaders.
While the film focuses on NC as a case study, the parallels to Virginia are innumerable. We hope these screenings will shed light on the similarities and show audiences how to get involved in demanding reform.
The full schedule of film showings is below. All screenings are free and open to the public. No ticket is needed, and seating will be given on a first come first serve bases.
If your city is not on the list and you would like to host a screening of Democracy for Sale, please reach out to Andy Myers at amyers@workingfilms.org.
Tuesday September 19th at 6:30pm – Norfolk
Slover Library
235 E Plume St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
Hosted by: SEIU Virginia 512.
Wednesday September 20th at 6:00pm – Newport News
Young Virginia Votes Center
12448 Warwick Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23606
Hosted by: Young Virginia Votes Center
Thursday September 21st at 7:00pm – Burke
Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church
10125 Lakehaven Ct.
Burke, VA 22015
Hosted by: Social Justice Committee of AUUC and the Bull Run Unitarian Universalists.
Thursday September 21st at 7:00pm – Charlottesville (first screening)
Vinegar Hill Theatre
220 West Market St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Hosted by: Appalachian Voices and Climate Action Society.
Thursday September 21st at 7:00pm – Virginia Beach
Central Library Auditorium
4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452-1767
Hosted by: Chesapeake Climate Action Network.
Monday September 25th at 7:00pm – Charlottesville (second screening)
University of Virginia
Newcomb Hall Theatre
180 McCormick Rd.
Charlottesville VA
Hosted by: Appalachian Voices and Climate Action Society.
Tuesday September 26th at 4:00pm (first screening) – Woodbridge
NOVA – Woodbridge Campus
Lakeside Theatre
2645 College Dr.
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Hosted by: the Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Action (HOLA), the League of Women Voters, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Tuesday September 26th at 7:00pm (second screening) – Woodbridge
NOVA – Woodbridge Campus
Lakeside Theatre
2645 College Dr.
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Hosted by: the Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Action (HOLA), the League of Women Voters, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Tuesday September 26th at 7:00pm – Roanoke
South County Library
6303 Merriman Rd.
Roanoke, VA 24018
Hosted by: The League of Women Voters of Roanoke Valley.
Wednesday September 27th at 7:00pm – Arlington
Arlington Cinema & Draft House
2903 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22204
Hosted by: The League of Women Voters of Arlington.
Thursday September 28th at 7:15pm – Richmond
The Byrd Theatre
2908 W Cary St.
Richmond, VA 23221
Hosted by: the Virginia League of Conservation Voters.
Friday September 29th at 7:00pm – Williamsburg
Kimball Theatre
428 W Duke of Gloucester St.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Hosted by: Peninsula Indivisible.
[…] Better known for comedies like The Hangover and The Campaign, Galifianakis tackled the serious topic of gerrymandering and money in politics in his new film, “Democracy for Sale.” […]