"What is Democracy" by Cinema Politica Groningen

Coming at a moment of profound political and social crisis, the documentary WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? reflects on a word we too often take for granted.

The director Astra Taylor embarks on a thought-provoking journey, from ancient Athens to the U.S. today, questioning the power dynamics, freedoms, and inequalities embedded in democracy. Featuring insights from figures like Silvia Federici, Cornel West, and Angela Davis, along with activists, asylum seekers, and more, the film delves into who truly has a voice, what freedom entails, and whether democracy can survive in an age of concentrated wealth.

After the screening, stay with us for a post-film discussion featuring Prof. Kees Aarts (Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences), Dr. Pier Dominico Tortola (Faculty of Arts) and Ervin Kondakciu (Democratic General Assembly). Together, we will explore the critical themes raised in What is Democracy?, delving into issues of power, participation, and freedom. This is a unique chance to engage with both experts and community voices on the future of democracy, the impact of economic and social inequality, and how we might reclaim the promise of self-rule in our own societies.

Kees Aarts is Professor of Political Institutions and Behaviour. His research focuses on Dutch politics and democratic discourses within Europe. Pier Domenico Tortola is an Associate Professor of European Languages and Culture at the University of Groningen. His most-recent research studies the co-opting of memory and history within far-right Italian politics and, more broadly, across Europe. Ervin Kondakciu is a researcher in the Faculty of Philosophy who specializes in political philosophy and Greek politics. He is also a member of the Democratic General Assembly (DGA), a pro-democracy advocacy group based in Groningen.