Film Discussions
SPRING FILM DISCUSSION: AMERICAN POLITICS ON FILM
This spring, the Horowitz Center presents a special film discussion series exploring how American politics has been portrayed on screen across eight decades of cinema. From idealism and corruption to Cold War paranoia, constitutional crisis, media manipulation, and modern campaign machinery, these films trace the evolving story of American democracy through some of the most influential political movies ever made.
Offered virtually, the discussion series takes advantage of as many popular streaming formats as possible to make access easy for participants. The discussion series is like a book club, but with films.
Choose the films that interest you from the list below, watch them at your convenience before the scheduled discussion, and join the discussions on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Need Help Registering Online? Watch this tutorial to walk through the online registration process.
The Zoom link will be emailed to registered individuals by noon on each discussion day. If you have any questions or problems during registration, contact the Horowitz Center Box Office.
Film
Presented by: HCC Film Department
Frank Capra’s classic exploration of civic idealism and democratic responsibility. A newly appointed senator challenges entrenched corruption in a film that helped define the American political myth.
Date/Time: Friday, February 6, 2026 7:00 PM
Film
Presented by: HCC Film Department
A powerful portrait of populism, ambition, and the corrupting force of political power, inspired by the rise of Huey Long. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Date/Time: Friday, February 13, 2026 7:00 PM
Film
Presented by: HCC Film Department
A gripping Cold War thriller about psychological manipulation, political infiltration, and the fragility of American institutions. One of the most influential political films ever made.
Date/Time: Friday, February 20, 2026 7:00 PM
Film
Presented by: HCC Film Department
A tense Cold War thriller in which a high-ranking military officer plots to overthrow the President, exposing the fragility of American democracy in a time of fear and uncertainty.
Date/Time: Friday, March 6, 2026 7:00 PM
Film
Presented by: HCC Film Department
Gore Vidal’s sharp and incisive look at a presidential nominating convention, where backroom deals, loyalty tests, and “electability” collide. A timeless study of party machinery, political strategy, and the moral compromises candidates face.
Date/Time: Friday, March 13, 2026 7:00 PM
Film
Presented by: HCC Film Department
Oliver Stone’s explosive, fast-paced investigation of the Kennedy assassination, blending historical detail, conspiracy theory, and political paranoia into one of the most debated political films of the last half-century.
Date/Time: Friday, March 20, 2026 7:00 PM
Film
Presented by: HCC Film Department
A sharp, darkly comic look at media manipulation and manufactured political narratives. When a scandal threatens a presidential campaign, a fabricated war becomes the ultimate distraction.
Date/Time: Friday, March 27, 2026 7:00 PM
Film
Presented by: HCC Film Department
A behind-the-scenes portrait of the 2008 presidential campaign, focusing on the selection of Sarah Palin and the pressures of modern political branding, strategy, and crisis management.
Date/Time: Friday, May 8, 2026 7:00 PM
Film
Presented by: HCC Film Department
Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks star in this riveting drama about the publication of the Pentagon Papers. A story of press freedom, government secrecy, and the moral courage required to uphold democratic principles.
Date/Time: Friday, May 15, 2026 7:00 PM