Watch Beyond Elections

Beyond Elections is a documentary film that explores the concept of participatory democracy and the ways in which citizens can take an active role in shaping their own communities. The film centers around the case study of Porto Alegre, a city in Brazil that has been hailed as a model for participatory budgeting. The film begins by providing some background on the global trend towards participatory democracy, highlighting the limitations of traditional representative democracy and the ways in which it can fail to represent the interests of marginalized or underrepresented groups. The film then turns to Porto Alegre, which is presented as a shining example of how participatory democracy can work in practice.

The film takes an in-depth look at the participatory budgeting process in Porto Alegre, which allows citizens to directly input into the city's budget allocation process. The film interviews a range of people involved in participatory budgeting, from community organizers to city officials to everyday citizens who have been active in the process.

Throughout the film, the strengths and weaknesses of the participatory budgeting process are explored. On the one hand, the process has led to more equitable distribution of resources within the city, and has given voice to groups that have traditionally been marginalized. On the other hand, the process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, and can sometimes produce outcomes that are not in line with the broader goals of the city.

Beyond Elections also explores the broader implications of participatory democracy, and how it can be applied beyond the local level. The film features interviews with academics and activists who argue that participatory democracy has the potential to transform politics at every level, from the local to the national to the global.

One particularly interesting aspect of the film is its exploration of the role of technology in participatory democracy. The film highlights several examples of how technology has been used to facilitate participatory budgeting in Porto Alegre, for example through online voting platforms and mobile phone apps. The film also touches on the potential risks and limitations of using technology in participatory democracy, such as the risk of exclusion for those who do not have access to the technology.

Overall, Beyond Elections is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to think differently about the role of citizens in shaping their communities, and the possibilities of participatory democracy. The film is well-made, with engaging interviews and compelling visuals that bring the story to life. Whether you are interested in local politics, social change, or the future of democracy, Beyond Elections is a must-see film that will leave you feeling informed and inspired.

Beyond Elections is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes.