PFF SPRINGFEST – KNOCK DOWN THE HOUSE

RACHEL LEARS | USA | ENGLISH | 2019 | 86 MIN

In 2018, a record number of women, people of color, and political outsiders ran for Congress, many of whom were running against Democratic incumbents who hadn’t seen a viable challenger in years. Filmmaker Rachel Lears followed four of the remarkable first-time candidates running in the 2018 Democratic primaries, most notably Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose unlikely path from waiting tables at a Queens taqueria to beating incumbent Congressman Joe Crowley shocked the nation and galvanized the progressive movement. While Ocasio-Cortez’s astounding road to victory might be the most prominent story highlighted in the film, the stories of the other three candidates—coal miner’s daughter-turned-environmental activist Paula Jean Swearengin, African American nurse and ordained pastor Cori Busher, and Nevada Medicare activist Amy Vilela—are equally compelling. Tracking these candidates each step of the way as they canvas, debate, and nervously await election night results, Knock Down the House is a stirring testament to the power of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

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Part of PFF SPRINGFEST April 12-14 at the Philadelphia Film Center
With PFF SpringFest, the Philadelphia Film Society presents a mid-year survey of the freshest cinematic marvels from the international festival circuit–from American indie darlings and eye-opening documentaries to acclaimed foreign titles. Browse the full program HERE.

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