What is Democracy?

Wednesday, January 16 - Tuesday, February 5, 2019

WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? is a philosophical journey grounded in Astra Taylor’s quest to better understand the paradoxes, pleasures, and problems of democracy around the world. By interweaving contemporary examples of democratic struggle and conversations with leading political theorists, the film reveals and investigates timeless themes, while linking the past and the present to provoke and inspire. With Wendy Brown, Cornel West, Silvia Federici, and former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou.

“A deliberate challenge to complacency – and, as a result, a great watch.” – The Guardian

Official selection: Toronto Int’l Film Festival

  • Country Canada
  • Language In English/Arabic/Greek/Spanish with English subtitles.
  • Running Time 107 minutes
  • Distributor Zeitgeist Films
  • Director Astra Taylor

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.