Watch Waking the Sleeping Giant: The Making of a Political Revolution

Waking the Sleeping Giant: The Making of a Political Revolution from 2017 is a documentary that delves into the grassroots activism and organization behind the 2016 presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders. The film focuses on the efforts of young activists and working-class Americans who joined together to create a political movement aimed at addressing income inequality and systemic corruption in American politics.

The film offers a compelling narrative of the 2016 election that goes beyond the surface-level analysis of traditional media outlets. It showcases the stories of individuals who were often overlooked or dismissed by mainstream narratives but who played critical roles in Sanders' campaign. Through interviews with campaign staffers, volunteers, and supporters, the documentary explores the diverse range of people who were drawn to Sanders' message of political revolution.

One of the major themes of the film is the grassroots organizing that fueled the Sanders campaign. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the various ways in which activists mobilized their communities to contribute to the campaign, including phone banking, canvassing, and social media outreach. It highlights the challenges these organizers faced, such as navigating voter suppression efforts, and showcases the innovative ways they overcame those obstacles.

Amidst this narrative of changemakers working towards a political revolution, the film also addresses the political establishment that Sanders was up against. It features commentary from Democratic Party insiders who were hostile towards Sanders, as well as members of the corporate media who downplayed or dismissed his candidacy. The film exposes the structural barriers that prevent progressives from gaining power within the Democratic Party, and highlights the need for fundamental change in American politics.

Another critical theme of the documentary is the role of intersectionality in progressive politics. The film showcases the diversity of the Sanders movement and emphasizes how issues of race, gender, sexuality, and class intersect to create a common struggle for marginalized communities. It also highlights the importance of centering the voices of those groups within political activism.

Overall, Waking the Sleeping Giant: The Making of a Political Revolution from 2017 is a compelling and inspiring documentary that offers a refreshing perspective on the 2016 presidential campaign. The film highlights the power of grassroots organizing, the obstacles that progressives face within the political establishment, and the need for a continued push towards a more just and equitable society. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the potential of progressive movements in American politics.

Waking the Sleeping Giant: The Making of a Political Revolution is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.