Watch People vs. Politics

World Premiere

People vs. Politics premiered on April 17, 2026 at the 2026 Washington, DC International Film Festival (also known as Filmfest DC) as an Official Selection in the “Justice Matters” category—a program of films sparking meaningful dialogue and action around urgent social issues.

From the Premiere

After two and half years of filming and production, People vs. Politics premiered to a full house at Filmfest DC 2026.

Lisa D.T. Rice and Brian Strege, colleagues at Grow Democracy DC arriving at Filmfest DC 2026.
The People vs Poltics Production team at Filmfest DC: Mary Claire Kogler (Assoc. Producer), Julia Hoppock (Assoc. Producer), Carol Wingard (Director & Producer), Robert Pease (Director & Producer)
Three reform protagonists take the stage: Cesar Marquez (Nevada & New Mexico), Lisa D.T Rice (Washington DC) and Lisa Feret (Colorado).
Applause as film protagonists and directors take the stage for post-screening Q&A.
Lisa D.T. Rice is relieved that Cesar has the bigger “potty mouth” during tense election night watch party scenes.
Michelle Whitaker of Rank the Vote poses a post-screening question.
Lisa D.T. Rice updates the audience on lobbying the D.C. Council to fund semi-open primaries and preparing DC voters for their first RCV election.
Mike Cantwell, Navy Veteran and Veterans for All Voters volunteer, asks a post-screening question.
Eric Bronner, co-founder of Veterans for All Voters (VAV), greeting guests at the post-screening reception.

SCREENINGS

Upcoming Screenings

TBD	Chicago, IL	Community Screening
TBD	Albuquerque, NM	Community Screening

Recent Screenings

JUN 5, 2026	Washington, DC	Grow Democracy DC Community Screening
JUN 4, 2026	Washington, DC	Grow Democracy DC Fundraiser
APR 23, 2026	Washington, DC	School Without Walls Educational Screening
APR 18, 2026	Washington, DC	DC International Film Festival
APR 17, 2026	Washington, DC	DC International Film Festival World Premiere

Host A Screening

Interested in bringing People vs. Politics to your community, campus, or organization? We’re actively looking for partners to host screenings.

Host a Screening

Into the Classroom

School Without Walls, Washington, DC — April 23, 2026

An educational cut of People vs. Politics played for an AP Government class in Washington, DC. In the Q&A that followed, students asked questions about ranked choice voting, semi-open primaries, and what these reforms could mean for DC and the rest of the country.

AP Government students at School Without Walls participate in the post-screening Q&A.

Community Screenings

Grow Democracy DC, Washington, DC — June 4th & 5th, 2026

People vs. Politics came to Washington, DC for two nights with Grow Democracy DC. On June 4th, a 25-minute cut screened at their fundraiser, giving supporters an early look at the film ahead of DC’s June primary. On June 5th, the full film played at their community screening, followed by a lively panel with Lisa D.T. Rice, Kenyatta Smith, Philip Pannell, and Brian Strege.