Bringing communities together: The launch of the IRL Movie Club
A new era for documentary screenings
On September 15, a nationwide screening of the feature documentary Join or Die will mark the beginning of the In Real Life Movie Club. This non-profit initiative aims to bring U.S. audiences together to discuss trending topics explored in independently made documentaries. The film, directed by Rebecca and Peter Davis, delves into the work of social scientist Robert Putnam, author of “Bowling Alone,” who argues that joining a club can help save democracy. The documentary features interviews with notable figures such as Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.
Join or Die made its world premiere at the 2023 South by Southwest Film Festival and was later acquired by Abramorama for North American theatrical rights, with a release in select theaters on July 31.
Celebrating democracy through film
In honor of International Day of Democracy, Join or Die will be screened in over 50 theaters across the country. Audience members are encouraged to wear their favorite club t-shirt, hat, or pin to show their club pride. This initiative is spearheaded by the IRL Movie Club, with the aim of fostering real-life connections and discussions around important societal issues.
The vision behind IRL Movie Club
Annie Roney, founder and CEO of documentary distribution agency Roco Films, serves as the board president of the IRL Movie Club. She explains that the idea for the series was inspired by watching Join or Die. According to Roney, democracy suffers when people stop gathering in real life to talk and connect. She emphasizes the importance of access to good information, which independent documentaries can provide.
Roney adds that the non-profit will support filmmakers, community theaters, and Americans looking to build real-life connections across the political divide. The organization, Real Life Movies Inc., is currently collecting donations to fund the IRL Movie Club. Additionally, Art House Convergence, a coalition of over 1200 independent cinemas, has partnered with IRL Movies to help the series reach smaller markets nationwide.
Empowering independent theaters
Participating theaters will receive screening kits with marketing materials to promote the screenings and community engagement activities. Lela Meadow-Conner, Art House Convergence board president, expresses support for the initiative, highlighting its alignment with their mission to advocate for independent exhibitors as essential cultural hubs.
The IRL Movie Club will host quarterly screenings of documentaries in the public interest, without regard for profit. Theaters and filmmakers will be compensated through the support of IRL Movie’s donors, allowing for subsidized tickets for the public. Free IRL Movie Club members can purchase tickets for five dollars, with all ticket profits flowing back into the non-profit.
A new opportunity for cultural centers
Join or Die will be screened in various cities, including Dallas, Detroit, and Seattle, as well as at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco. Lex Sloan, executive director of the Roxie Theater and Art House Convergence board member, praises the IRL Movie Club for empowering venues like the Roxie Theater to thrive as vibrant cultural centers.
In a joint statement, directors Rebecca and Peter Davis expressed their hope that the film will provide a “light switch moment” for many Americans, equipping them with a newfound clarity on the sociological roots of our civic crisis.
A grassroots approach to community engagement
The IRL Movie Club is designed to be low-tech, grassroots, and community-driven. Instead of a traditional Q&A after the film’s screening, members will be encouraged to engage in conversations with their seatmates. Each theater will appoint a host to welcome attendees and initiate post-screening discussions.
The next IRL Movie Club screening is scheduled for this winter, promising more opportunities for communities to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue through the power of independent film.
For more information and to watch the trailer for Join or Die, visit Join or Die.