A collection of short films, 2 docs and a narrative, that delve into the history of political ads, national politics from a local view, and a campaign staffer regrets taking a job with a megalomaniac.
The Sign
Short, Documentary 14:00
After their homemade ‘Trump 4 President’ sign is run over twice, a filmmaker interviews his parents to understand their support for presidential candidate, Donald Trump.
The Greater Evil
Short, Narrative, 07:35
Lilith Delaney has snagged a plum assignment with the campaign team of Victor Balch, a brash but popular candidate for the Presidency. Though initially seeing it as just another job, Lilith gradually falls under the candidate’s spell… until she catches a glimpse of his horrific true nature.
I Approve this Message: The Anatomy of Political Ads
Feature, Documentary 36:00
Political ads are despised by the public and yet are viewed by millions of Americans every election. ‘I Approve this Message’ bridges the gap between the viewers and the ad makers. The documentary goes through the logic behind political ads, the persuasive techniques used, and how ad makers break people’s resistance towards watching them. ‘I Approve This Message’ fosters a greater appreciation for political ads as a form of storytelling and tool of public debate and civil discourse. At the same time, it is an educational tool that shows how a political ad is designed to manipulate the audience.