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Astra Taylor (What Is Democracy?) My Summer Lair 87

087 | Astra Taylor (What Is Democracy?)

Posted on September 11, 2018March 21, 2024 By Sammy Younan No Comments on 087 | Astra Taylor (What Is Democracy?)

My Summer Lair Chapter #87: What Is Democracy?

Filmmaker Astra Taylor did something remarkable with her latest documentary: she asked a question “What Is Democracy?” and then she…listened. Like actually, actively listened. Listening has become…revolutionary.

We’re told to vote and protest and stand up for our rights and stand against all kinds of Twitter-branded evil and yet listening is one of the most powerful activities we can undertake.

Listening is a lost skill. To listen to somebody…to hear what they have to say; even if we don’t agree with it. Especially if we don’t agree with it! That’s freedom. Freedom is so inspiring.

Astra Taylor is the talented writer of 2014’s The People’s Platform: a non-fiction book exploring gap of the internet dream that was sold to us and the harsh reality of the internet. That’s not freedom.

She’s following up that book with this documentary premiering at TIFF 2018. As she puts it…it’s not a question than an answer: she’s doing the hard work of grappling with democracy. The work you are supposed to do.

In that sense the documentary is inspiring because it pushes one to do their own hard work…to commit to doing the work. Truth is weddings…those are easy…marriages are hard. Do The Work.

Following the 2 TIFF screenings and a number of festival screenings; this documentary can be seen at the NFB and streamed on CBC Gem.

Astra Taylor @ W • T • F

Host & Photography Sammy Younan

Recorded: Saturday September 8, 2018 at 5:00 pm (at Girth Radio)

Stress free pop culture tastefully harvested for your divine delight. Once a week a carefully curated edition of My Pal Sammy goes directly to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter so we can have some fun…like putting the demo in democracy!

My Summer Lair, Podcast Tags:Astra Taylor, Cornel West, Directors, Documentaries, TIFF - Toronto Film Festival, TIFF 2018, What Is Democracy?

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