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Join or Die

Available for

Virtual

On-demand

In-person

Available for screenings until

Jan 01, 2024

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

Upcoming screenings

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

SXSW Film Festival 2023: JOIN OR DIE

"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

The Films We Loved Most at SXSW 2023

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]

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