Over 100 people attended (good weather helped), most of whom seemed to be college-age students (this was presented on a university campus, but open to the public). We did lots of flyering and also announced in key classes.
There was a small-group discussion option that was successful: 20 people stayed for the hour or so discussion.
Questions for the host:
Q: Why did you host this screening? What were your goals?
A: To bring to the attention some disenfranchisement tactics that occurred in the last two presidential elections (00 and 04) , as well as legal strategies like cross-over voting, successfully employed against Cynthia McKinney in '02. These are undemocractic practices and the mainstream media did not cover them well, in my opinion.
Q: Any ideas on how you can use "American Blackout" in the future?
A: I coupled it with a screening of Hacking Democracy (two weeks later). Together they present a strong argument as to why our democracy is broken.
Q: Any advice for future screening hosts?
A: I had an extremely difficult time getting a reply regarding screening rights for a public (free) screening. If anyone wants to secure these and needs a contact, feel free to let me know. At the time of our screening, the rate was $100 for an audience of over 100 and $50 for one under 50. (If it's in a private setting like a home, it's free of course like any other movie.)
Make sure to click the "spread the word" link at the American Blackout film website, great resources there that aren't available via the "host a screening link."
If anyone is interested in receiving a copy of the flyers (b&w and color) that I created, or the 6-to-a-page slips, or the "how to get involved" sheet made available at the screening, feel free to contact me. Heads up, though, they'll be in Adobe InDesign format. Why recreate the wheel when you can just modify it? :)
The venue, Cowell College Dining Hall (UC Santa Cruz), gets 5 stars
