When Democracy Works

Scot Nakagawa interviews a subject for the film When Democracy Works.

When Democracy Works

Producer: Catherine Gund

Director: Catherine Gund and Scot Nakagawa

Year: 1997

When Democracy Works is the first educational media project to ever examine the policy initiatives of the radical right wing. Presented over the course of three case studies, this documentary takes a look at racist David Duke's electoral bids in Louisiana, the struggle over homophobic Amendment 2 in Colorado, and the scapegoating of immigrants, people of color, and women through Proposition 187 and Proposition 209 in California. But there’s hope —  in each case, the work of progressive grassroots organizers show how much can be achieved when democracy works.