In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.
Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?
Special thanks to Delevan Street Films for waiving the screening fee for our public library!
About Robert Putnam
Harvard professor Robert D. Putnam is America’s preeminent political scientist — and one of the most widely read and cited social scientists living today. Author of fourteen books, translated into twenty languages, his work focuses on asking big questions about American society and deploying immense, creative studies and analyses to unlock answers.
About the Filmmakers
Delevan Street Films is a sister-brother team from Falls Church, Virginia.
REBECCA DAVIS | Director & Producer |
Rebecca Davis was a senior producer with NBC News for nearly a decade, where her work focused on social movements, environmental and economic justice, and community innovators. She has produced for HBO, VICE, Al Jazeera and A&E and was the supervising producer for Season 2 of Vox’s Netflix show Explained.
PETE DAVIS | Director & Producer |
Pete Davis is a writer and civic advocate — and a former student of Robert Putnam's. He is the author of Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in An Age of Infinite Browsing. He is the co-founder of the Democracy Policy Network, a policy organization focused on raising up ideas that deepen democracy.
This program is free and open to all. Please note that library parking is not guaranteed. Patrons who are able are encouraged to take advantage of Peterborough’s walkable downtown by parking in the Depot Square or Riverwalk lots.
Stay tuned for exciting news about new clubs created in collaboration with MAXT Makerspace and the Library.
