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interactive conversation

documentary film

We're on a mission to get people talking about issues in a more productive way. And to do that, we have to practice. The Dysmocracy project is about more than just a film. When we hold screenings, we invite the audience to think out loud through surveys and discussions. Audiences come away feeling more able to engage on the tough issues we all face as citizens.

What do we practice? Seeing an issue from someone else's point of view. Looking at our own opinions and asking questions. Approaching issues with empathy and openness, critical thinking and skepticism. But don't worry - it's fun, too.

In the end....maybe you'll change your mind? 

How to Watch

Could your organization, non-profit, congregation, conference or classroom benefit from screening the film and talking about the big questions for our democracy?
 
Get the conversation about democracy going in your community.  You can license the film to screen at your own event.  Every license comes with a downloadable and printable discussion guide.

Attend a Screening

June 14, 2024

Town Hall

Seattle, WA

Join Director Jordan Melograna and Co-Producer Christa Hillstrom for the first ever public screening and community discussion. (All ages.)

Aug 1, 2024

Black Hart of Saint Paul

St. Paul, MN

Join Co-Producer Christa Hillstrom for a screening and discussion. (Ages 21+)

About the Film

Dysmocracy: The Fight Over Fluoride follows the people of Port Angeles, WA, as they split over a looming decision: Whether to fluoridate their public water.

 

This episodic film weaves between opposing perspectives to bring you inside the worldviews and experiences of activists, medical professionals, journalists, elected leaders, and ordinary citizens who navigated a crisis that nearly dissolved their local government.

 

But this story is about much more than fluoride:  It’s about how we can live in a healthy democracy when we have such polarized points of view. 

Dysmocracy the fight over fluoride movie poster. tagline reads how do you save democracy when the truth decays. main image of a spilled glass of water with fluoride imagery reflected in the water

About the Filmmakers

Jordan Melograna

Writer, Producer, Director

Jordan Melograna is a photographer and filmmaker focused on stories concerning human rights, scientific understanding, and environmental sustainability. For over a decade, Jordan has worked for and with NGOs to create films and story-driven multimedia campaigns to advance their causes and uplift the voices of their constituents. His work has been screened at film festivals across the world, featured as centerpieces for advocacy events at the U.S. Capitol and the UN, and been viewed tens of millions of times online. Jordan is the CEO of Block by Block Films, a film and multimedia production company working with state, national, and international clients, as well as producing original documentary films. Jordan serves as a senior affiliate instructor at the University of Washington's Communication Leadership graduate program, focusing on ethical communications in the nonprofit sector.

Christa Hillstrom

Writer, Producer

Christa Hillstrom is a journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Marie Claire, and other publications. Her writing has focused on in-depth, character-driven narratives that highlight resilience and leadership in the context of human rights and gender-based violence. She was a senior editor at the solutions journalism outlet, YES! Magazine, where she covered economic justice and women’s leadership. She is the recipient of a New York Press Club Award, a Magazine Media Award, and a Front Page Award from the Newswomen’s Club of New York; and a finalist for the 2023 Dart Awards for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma. She is working on her first book, a narrative nonfiction exploration of the legacy and impact of trauma on women. She lives in the Seattle area.

Kayla Fisher

Editor

Kayla is a Seattle-based video editor and creative producer with experience working in broadcast and digital media since 2014. They have been a member of the Block by Block Creative production team for over three years, helping to build stories that drive impact for a variety of clients. They were also a producer and writer for five seasons of the Emmy-nominated children's television show, Look, Listen and Learn. Kayla is currently completing studies at University of Washington's Communication Leadership graduate program, where they continue to grow their understanding of the ways that stories can create tangible change in organizations, systems and communities.

Moriah Burton

Motion Graphics Designer

Moriah Burton has worked in motion graphics since 2012. She has worked on short social justice documentary pieces for Brave New Films, Rooted in Rights, and AUCD. Most recently, Burton worked on motion graphics for the digital side of the Ellen show, including show packages for original digital series, gorilla illustrations for the Ellen Fund, emojis, and ad hoc artwork for the show. In her free time Burton volunteers for LA Works and Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward cats.

Contact Us

Media requests and general information can be requested at christa@dysmocracy.com

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