Let's take a poll - do you think that in the upcoming 2006 mid-term elections political films will be:

a. an old idea (Michael Moore was sooo 2004)
b. an exploding trend (pleeease - no more DVD's from Move On)
c. a permanent part of the media eco-sphere (vblogs forever)

Listening to Hillary Clinton talk about the role of the media in the 2004 election (and the lack of couragous coverage of the current administration) it's pretty clear that the leaders of the Democratic Party are none too pleased with the media status quo.

All that should make for good fodder Tuesday night, when political filmmakers from all persuasions gather at the Museum of TV and Radio to debate "The Future of Partisan Filmmaking". I get to moderate - which should be like trying to ref a food fight.

The Passion of the Partisan:
What Is the Future of the Political Documentary?

In Person:
Robert Drew (Primary)
Eugene Jarecki (Why We Fight)
Alexandra Pelosi (Journeys with George)
Thom Powers (Guns and Mothers)
Ted Steinberg (Celsius 41.11: The Temperature at Which the Brain Begins to Die)
Paul Stekler (Last Man Standing)

I was invited after the museum read my article about Michael Moore in the October issue of the IDA magazine: DOCUMENTARY.

PANEL DESCRIPTION
This year Michael Moore and the Swift Boat Veterans proved that there was a passionate audience for partisan documentaries. This Museum seminar will address whether the politically charged films that made headlines in 2004 have transformed the craft and mission of the documentary. Panelists will consider if filmmakers are now expected to bring a strong political viewpoint to a project before filming starts and to appeal to a specific audience. The long-term implications of the partisan documentary will also be examined, with executives and distributors discussing upcoming projects.

Tickets: $15 ($12 for individual Museum Members); $5 for students with valid ID. Series Price (any 3 events): $40 ($30 for individual Museum Members); $12 for students.

I don't know if the event is sold out - but if you want to attend, email me and i'll see what's up with seats.