Please Vote For Me 2007
Distributed by Cinema Guild, 115 West 30th Street, Suite 800, New York, NY 10001; 212-685-6242
Produced by STEPS International
Directed by Weijun Chen
DVD, color, 52 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Democracy, Political Science, China, Asian Studies
Date Entered: 01/30/2009
Reviewed by Malcolm L. Rigsby, Department of Sociology, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, ARWe follow three candidates as they run for election as Class Monitor. Will the winner be Lou Lei, Cheng Cheng (both boys) or will it be Xu Xiaofei (a girl). As we follow each in their individual campaigns, we see much the same that we would expect in American politics. There is the crafty manipulator, the altruistic and the forthright strong arm.
The election spans three candidate platforms; the first is a talent show. The second is a debate that focuses on the weakness of the opponent. Last, each candidate delivers a speech to convince the class of their own ability. We are allowed behind the scenes to the family homes and the sometimes-questioned parental guidance. We hear the difficulties of each candidate and the self-doubts each must deal with.
Excellent filming, sound and editing. This film should lead to much class discussion regarding ethics, campaigning and what it means to ask the question “What is Democracy?”
Awards
- Sterling Feature Award, Silverdocs Film Festival, 2007
- Working Films Award, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, 2008
- Best Educational documentary DOCNZ, 2007
- Special Jury Prize, Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival, 2008
- Best Documentary Award, Ashland Independent Film Fest, 2008
- Best Documentary, Jackson Hole Film Festival, 2008