Utah Film Center has moved! Sign up for our newsletter for exciting updates.

Film Screening

Join or Die

Through the Lens

Wed, April 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm

ADA accommodations are available. If you have additional needs, please visit our Accessibility page to connect with an ADA coordinator.

Join or Die

Directed by Pete Davis, Rebecca Davis

99 MIN

2023

United States

Rating: Not Rated

Content warning: Language

Language: English

Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis.

Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?

Awards

Jury Prize for Best Feature-2023 SF DocFest
Audience Award-2023 History Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary-2023 Jacksonville Film Festival

Official Selection:

2023 SXSW Film Festival
2023 SF DocFest
2023 Denver Filim Festival
2023 History Film Festival
2024 Justice Film Festival
2023 Jacksonville Film Festival
2023 Clinton Presidential Center with Hillary Clinton
2023 Congressional Auditorium Screening with Surgeon General Dr. VIvek Murthy and Senator Chris Murphy
2023 DC Premiere at Georgetown’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life
2023 Civic Cinema with Boston Mayor’s Office
2023 Harvard’s Building Connected Communities Conference

Additional Screening Details

Wed, April 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm