Think Outside the (Ballot) Box: Strengthening Democracy in Your Backyard
Film Screening + Panel Discussion
Featured documentary: Dukakis: Recipe for Democracy
Hosted and moderated by Dr. Nancy Pearson

Wednesday, July 9
Doors 6:30pm / Documentary Screening 7pm / Discussion 7:30pm
$12 Members / $15 - $40 General Admission (pay-what-you-choose)
Seated

Presented by 3S Artspace in partnership with Dr. Nancy Pearson, join us for a screening of Dukakis: Recipe for Democracy, followed by a moderated panel discussion.

Meet the filmmakers and other panelists for an insightful discussion on the themes of the film: public service; community; civic engagement, and the ongoing experiment of American democracy. Ask questions, and learn how strengthening democracy is most effective with small acts close to home.

Featured Panelists:
Kate Cook, Portsmouth City Council member
Beth Falconer, Executive Director, 3S Artspace
Byron Matto, Portsmouth School Board member
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, NH Senate Minority Leader
Jeff Schmidt, filmmaker
Erin Trahan, filmmaker

About the film:
Upon accepting the Democratic nomination for president in 1988, Michael Dukakis tells his fellow citizens that when they see an image of the White House, he wants them to feel pride. He pledges to serve in a White House that "sets high standards not just for the American people, but high standards for itself." Dukakis catches up with the unflappable three-term Massachusetts governor three decades later. On a snowy afternoon, in the same Brookline, Massachusetts duplex he bought with his wife Kitty more than 50 years ago, he pulls a frozen turkey carcass from the freezer and starts chopping onions.

While soup broth simmers, Dukakis takes viewers on a journey along his long arc of leadership, reflecting on his formative years as the son of Greek immigrants up to the present. At age 85, he mentors budding public servants as a college professor. He also chairs a commission to connect Boston’s North and South rail stations – a project he has backed since the 1970s. Meanwhile a crop of new leaders – including Northeastern University undergraduate Juan Gallego, also a son of immigrants – carries Dukakis’ legacy forward all the way to the governor’s office.

“Democracy is a work in progress,” says Dukakis as he fills a bowl with steaming soup. “A precious gift that needs constant nurturing.” Amidst unprecedented uncertainty in American politics, Dukakis offers a reason to pause, take stock in the past, and look forward with renewed faith in what’s possible when people believe in democracy, and each other.

Directed & Produced by Erin Trahan, Jeff Schmidt

Cinematography Alistair Wilson, Allie Humenuk, Ben Pender-Cudlip, Kevin Belli, Tim O’Donnell

Editor Jeff Schmidt

Research & Story Consultant Maria Letunic

Original Score Joel Roston

Graphic Design NiFe (Jennifer) Lucey-Brzoza | Oyay

Animation Colin Hazard

Post Production Modulus Studios

Archival Consultant Heather Merrill

Website & Poster Tyler Prendergast

3S Artspace is supported in part by grants from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts; the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and NHCF's Geoffrey E. Clark and Martha Fuller Clark Fund; and Little Bay Fund.

Thank you to our lead sponsors: AC Hotel Portsmouth, The Brook, The Kane Company/Tidemark, Katzman Contemporary Projects, MacEdge, Raka, Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel.