CAN MR. SMITH GET TO WASHINGTON ANYMORE?

World Premiere

Jeff Smith is 29 years old. He's short, scrappy and lisps when he speaks. He has no money, no previous political experience and no support from his family.

But Jeff believes in the political process. He believes in the power of ideas to bring people together, and he believes in himself. A white, former African-American studies major, he is a man of surprising contrasts.

He gathers a group of young, equally inexperienced idealists, and runs for Congress.

Working in a cramped, un-airconditioned office with few resources beyond sheer will and the support of his staff, Smith propels himself into the political arena, attacking voter complacency head on. His innocent exuberance combined with a keen mind and command of policy and statistics overcome his "not ready for primetime" persona.

Smith's win would be the triumph of content over form. A modern-day David and Goliath story, his rise from unknown to contender is a testament to the power of one man to make a difference.

Mr. Smith in attendance.

Special post-screening discussion with filmmaker, Frank Popper, featured subject Jeff Smith and other subjects including Communications Director Clay Haynes and Campaign Manager Artie Harris-hosted by a WAMU radio personality Kojo Nnamdi.

-Amy Dotson

DIRECTOR BIO
Frank Popper wandered into a photo lab while teaching high school English in St. Louis. Seeing the magic of his friend's print come to life took his professional life in a new direction-from photography to award-winning multi-image productions to film. Popper produced THE LOUNGE PEOPLE, a feature starring Buck Henry and Christine Ebersole, which aired on Starz. He was principal videographer of EROICA!, a documentary that aired on PBS about The Eroica Trio's collaboration with a classical music composer. CAN MR. SMITH GET TO WASHINGTON ANYMORE? is his first feature-length documentary.

Print Source:
Frank Popper, Mr. Smith Movie LLC
238 S. Gore Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
314.583.1744
popper@earthlink.net

Sponsored by

PRECEDED BY...SHERIFF OF GAY WASHINGTON
John W. Poole
USA, 2006, 14 MINUTES

Sergeant Brett Parson balances stereotypes and skillfully commands the Washington Metropolitan Police Department's Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit, dedicated to solving crimes by and against members of the queer community.

Print Source:
John Poole
1429 Monroe St. NW
Washington, DC 20010
202.361.1372
john@busybox.org

6/16 at 9:45 PM

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