Coming Soon

An American Pastoral

Directed by Auberi Edler
Film Movement
2024
120 Minutes
France
English
Documentary
Not Rated
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An American Pastoral chronicles the struggle within a rural central Pennsylvanian community over the future of their public schools, where a vitriolic debate over books cloaks a more fundamental question: the future of our secular democracy.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Auberi Edler

Where to Watch

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Reviews

  • "A timely and trenchant observation of school board politics. This strictly non-interventional documentary... offers no narration or commentary on a fraught face-off between ideologically moderate Democrats and a local Republican Party steered by far-right Christian nationalism. Instead, Edler’s calmly watchful film — sure to travel... on the strength of its sharp gaze and topical heft — trusts in viewers to see the national forest for the trees."
    Guy Lodge, Variety
  • "[T]his urgent, absorbing documentary should be required viewing for those, inside or outside the United States, who are struggling to make sense of the recent presidential election. It will also speak to anyone interested in the battle over books and gender issues that has been raging for some time now in the American educational sector."
    Lee Marshall, Screen Daily
  • "A riveting and chilling look at how democracy is often first eroded on a local level, and then national level, An American Pastoral is a reminder of a culture war that is hurting those who need education the most."
    Courtney Small, POV Magazine
  • "An American Pastoral is an intense political drama guaranteed to enrage...The film is an emotional experience that delivers a riveting journey that leaves you rattled, reflective, and maybe a little bit hopeful."
    Thom Ernst, Original Cin
Winner
IDFA Award for Best Directing
Int'l. Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
Nominated
Best Feature-Length Documentary
Int'l. Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
Nominated
Jury Award
Docville
Nominated
Best Documentary
Hong Kong Int'l. Film Festival
Official Selection
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