“Dismantling Democracy” Series Airs on VPM

Documentary is Latest Collaboration Between UVA Center for Politics and VPM

(CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA) – At a time when democratic institutions across the globe are facing unprecedented challenges and amidst racial conflicts, hyperpartisanship, and the public’s loss of faith in government institutions, VPM, Virginia’s home for public media, and the University of Virginia Center for Politics have partnered on a new documentary series: Dismantling Democracy. Produced by Make Films, this three-part series will begin airing with Episode 1 on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. on VPM PBS in Richmond and Charlottesville. Episode 2 will air at the same time on Sept. 15, and episode 3 on Sept. 22.

Narrated by Tara Setmayer, Dismantling Democracy examines democratic structures of government in the United States and around the world. Featuring interviews offering powerful perspectives, the series depicts the gradual deterioration of the effectiveness of a democratic form of government. Through a critical look at the history and current state of democracies, it becomes evident that preserving democracy is a feat no less significant than its establishment. So, are we up to this pressing task? The film issues a call to act before the deterioration of democracy continues.

Participants include: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA); Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX); Ian Bremmer, President, Eurasia Group; Margaret Brennan, Host, Face The Nation; Ann Dowd, Actress, The Handmaid’s Tale; Michael Abramowitz, President, Freedom House; and many other notable participants.

Dismantling Democracy is the latest collaboration between the UVA Center for Politics and VPM, which regularly partner to produce documentary films for public television on American politics and history.

Four of their recent documentaries won Emmy Awards in the categories of Best Historical Documentary and Best Topical Documentary: 2018’s CHARLOTTESVILLE revisited the tragic events of Aug 11-12, 2017 and provided an in-depth examination of the shocking racial strife, bigotry, and government blunders. Other films include 2016’s Feeling Good About America, which chronicled the 1976 presidential election; 2013’s The Kennedy Half Century, which explored President Kennedy’s life and legacy; and 2012’s Out of Order, which examined partisan polarization in Washington, D.C.

“With U.S. presidential elections approaching, Dismantling Democracy is a timely, thought-provoking look at what it means to live in a society where citizens can shape government. This series reveals that there are more threats to our democracy than we may know. As engaged citizens, each of us has a role to play in protecting it,” said Steve Humble, Chief Content Officer at VPM.

For film information, visit VPM.org/democracy.