Reel Democracy

A surprising number of viewers have witnessed Michael Moore's jowly pokes at the Bush administration in Fahrenheit 9/11. While the anti-Dubya flick's more than $100 million gross isn't awe-inspiring when compared to the box-office tallies of Hollywood blockbusters, it is cinematic shock and awe for a political documentary. But Moore's salvo would seem to pretty much fill the niche for political celluloid this campaign season.

Not so, says Jason Bosch, whose Argusfest screens political works on a regular basis. And in the spirit of Moore, the group has assembled the Take Back Democracy Film Festival, a four-day event beginning Thursday, October 28, during which some thirty films will fill in the cracks exposed by the recent presidential debates.

"It's not a non-partisan event," says Bosch. "It's critical of Bush, though we don't show films that are pro-Kerry."

Instead, organizers are hoping to "raise awareness of issues and provide alternative views."

While some of the films are no more than ten minutes long, there are also full-length offerings on the schedule. Topics ranging from the erosion of civil liberties to Dick Cheney's life will be explored. Bush's Brain, an eighty-minute take on Republican arch-strategist Karl Rove, will screen at 6:15 p.m. Saturday at Globeville Studios, 1553 Platte Street, and again at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Starz FilmCenter, 900 Auraria Parkway.

Bosch also says Invisible Ballots, a 53-minute examination of electronic voting, should give pause to anyone who's worried about casting a ballot this election, regardless of party affiliation.

Those who want to rev up for the Election Day meltdown can also see a series of films along with a performance by musician David Rovics, beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Construct, 3519 Brighton Boulevard.

"Perhaps there isn't a point," allows Bosch. "I wouldn't say we're out to change votes."

Still, it could prepare viewers for the unpleasant sights they'll witness Tuesday on the little screen.