A still image from Show Me Democracy
The NAACP and Fuse have teamed up to raise awareness and advance the dialogue of the issues highlighted in Show Me Democracy, the first film featured in Fuse's recently announced documentary series entitled “We The Dreamers." Premiering on Saturday, April 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Fuse, Show Me Democracy follows seven St. Louis college students as they evolve into advocates and activists in the wake of the Ferguson uprising. Nearly three years after the Ferguson, MO uprising captivated the nation and the world, Fuse, a multiplatform media brand reflecting the wide-ranging tastes and attitudes of the fast-growing, Latino and multicultural 18-34 audience, will broadcast the world television premiere of Show Me Democracy.
We The Dreamers documentary series highlights young, idealistic and diverse subjects who are celebrating their cultural heritage and identity, confronting issues and overcoming prejudice. “The Civil Rights movement was fueled by the energy and activism of young people and the current and future struggle rests on the awareness and advocacy of young people. This partnership with Fuse Media represents a dynamic way to reach and inspire that audience,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks.
A still image from Show Me Democracy
Directed by Dan Parris (What Matters, When the Saints), Show Me Democracy centers on seven St. Louis college students as they evolve into advocates and activists, demanding change through policy and protest. The feature-length documentary chronicles their diverse approaches to combating racism and police brutality; advocating for educational reform; and asks the question: Can a small group of young people make a difference in complex and imperfect systems?
“As the kickoff to our new documentary series, Show Me Democracy delivers a strong message to our young and diverse audience who are always primed to take on the call of engagement and action,” said Fuse Media Senior VP of Content Strategy, Marc Leonard. “We’d like to go beyond a traditional broadcast and ignite a multiplatform conversation around each title, with television serving as the catalyst to a conversation across online, mobile, and social to raise awareness of crucial issues.”
Parris added, “There is both a crucial and delicate balance between the loud cries of protest and the careful consideration of ways to solve the greatest issues of society. Our future leaders are a variety of races, backgrounds and experiences. I hope this film has the effect of informing the viewers to embrace, not fight, these agents of change. I’m delighted Fuse has provided a platform to help tell this story.”
Show Me Democracy is produced and directed by filmmaker Dan Parris from his company, Speak Up Productions, in collaboration with The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and Continuity. Partial support for the making of the film was provided from the Missouri Arts Council, Missouri Humanities Council, Regional Arts Council and the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation.
Watch the exclusive clip from Show Me Democracy below: