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

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?

Through the Lens

Wed, April 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm

The City Library

Featuring a Q&A moderated by KUER’s RadioWest host Doug Fabrizio with Co-Director and Producer, Rebecca Davis.

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

Presented with English Captions