In Wilmington, North Carolina, the local premiere of “The Deciders: Red, Whiteville, and Blue” is set to take place at Jengo’s Playhouse this Wednesday. This documentary, shot in Whiteville, documents a unique alliance between wealthy donors and blue-collar residents as they address economic disparities and seek potential remedies.
Focused on the advocacy work of the Patriotic Millionaires – a group of affluent activists pushing for economic change such as increased taxes on the wealthy and a higher minimum wage – the film chronicles their engagement with the community of Whiteville, a small rural town with a population of 5,000. Through interactions with local voters, the film endeavors to stimulate conversations about income inequality and its impacts on society.
Sarah Sloan, a producer associated with the Cucalorus Film Foundation, which is organizing the screening, shared the backstory of the documentary’s inception. She recounted a serendipitous call from a representative of The Patriotic Millionaires inviting filmmaker D.L. Anderson to capture their town meeting, which ultimately led to the creation of the film.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness Whiteville residents navigating discussions on economic disparities and joining forces across party lines to tackle mutual economic challenges. Beyond its focus on economic reform, “The Deciders” provides a wider lens on how national policies resonate within small communities, aiming to spur dialogue and raise awareness about the real-world impacts of income inequality independent of partisan allegiances.
For those unable to attend the premiere, the documentary will be accessible on Apple TV for a nominal fee of 99 cents during Voter Education Week, followed by a subsequent release on Amazon Prime.
Screening Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC
Ticket Price: $10
Follow the link to purchase tickets and delve deeper into the film’s themes.
