Available for
Virtual
On-demand
In-person
Available for screenings until
Jan 01, 2024
Speakers Available
Available for screenings in
Worldwide
About the film
A film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America may depend on it. Follow the story of America’s civic unraveling through the work of Robert Putnam, whose legendary Bowling Alone findings light a path out of our democracy’s crisis.
Genre
Documentary
Runtime
1h 39m
Released
2023
Director
Rebecca Davis, Pete Davis
Producer
JoeBill Muñoz , Sara Joe Wolansky
Crew
Chad Ervin, Chad Cannon, Mark Lopez, Ronan Killeen, Rebecca Kent, Engy Adham, Eric Gulliver, Christian Oliveira
Awards & recognition
SXSW 2023
World Premiere
Boston Independent Film Festival
Official Selection
Cleveland International Film Festival
Official Selection
deadCenter Film Festival
Official Selection
Milwaukee International Film Festival
Official Selection
Bentonville Film Festival
Official Selection
San Francisco Documentary Film Festival
Official Selection
What people are saying
‘ "JOIN OR DIE MAKES A COMPELLING ARGUMENT AND DOES SO WITH STYLE…DAVIS & DAVIS...ESTABLISH THEMSELVES AS AN UPBEAT DOCUMENTARY DUO THAT CAN COMMUNICATE IMPORTANT, COMPLEX IDEAS IN EASY-TO-DIGEST PACKAGING." SUNSHINE STATE CINEPLEX "JOIN OR DIE PROVES ITSELF VITAL AND RELEVANT, A NECESSARY DOCUMENTARY THAT PROMISES THE CONVERSATION WILL CONTINUE LONG AFTER THE CREDITS HAVE ROLLED."‘
Stephanie Archer
‘ "JOIN OR DIE MAKES A COMPELLING ARGUMENT AND DOES SO WITH STYLE…DAVIS & DAVIS...ESTABLISH THEMSELVES AS AN UPBEAT DOCUMENTARY DUO THAT CAN COMMUNICATE IMPORTANT, COMPLEX IDEAS IN EASY-TO-DIGEST PACKAGING."‘
Alan French
SXSW 2023: ‘Join or Die’ Wants You to Go Clubbing – Bowling, Sewing, and to the PTA That Is
‘The seeming irreparable divisions in our country have been a hot topic of this year’s SXSW entries, but one documentary is preoccupied with finding solutions. Bringing the work of Harvard professor Robert Putnam’s up to date, the sister-brother team of Rebecca and Pete Davis interview the likes of Pete Buttigieg, Hillary Clinton, and economist Raj Chetty to discuss the importance of social capital. Looking at Putnam’s groundbreaking work, Bowling Alone, their film explores the decades-long decline in civic infrastructure, and the community connectors that could help mend America’s unraveling democracy.‘
Chris Hughes & Rosie Ninesling
‘It's easy to feel charged up about something after watching a movie with an audience at a film festival. But can that feeling last beyond the walk to your car when real life starts creeping back into your brain? I can tell you this much: days later, I am still thinking about "Join or Die" and its message about community. ‘
Ryan Scott
Join Or Die Review: The Healing Powers Of Not Bowling Alone SXSW 2023]