The Synopsis
“Democracy 4 Dummies” is a 45 minute how to documentary that shows curious cynics and aspiring politicians alike how to run for office, with little or no money. Mixing grassroots politics and Green Party candidates, the result is an election adventure stocked full of laughs and satirical commentary, which leaves even the most skeptical viewer thinking, “if these guys can do it, so can I!”
“Democracy 4 Dummies” follows the campaign trail of Dylan Perceval-Maxwell, an eccentric Green Party candidate and vegetable oil car driver in Montreal, Canada. Dylan runs a trendy hemp shop and faces federal opposition leader Gilles Duceppe, who's guaranteed to win. With his broken French, broken environmental car, and a heart of gold, Dylan sets out to spread his hilarious message that the world is going to end if people don't vote Green. Through candid interviews and cinema verite, we watch Dylan and other unlikely Green Party candidates go through their campaign trails, learning just how easy and fun it is to run for office.
"Democracy 4 Dummies" is broken down into chapters, and features funny quotes from politicians through out history. The film also boasts a great indy soundtrack with tracks from the Bell Orchestre, Rheostatics, Elliot Brood, Priestess, Socalled, and more. Already becoming a hit for Canada's National Film Board in the educational marketplace, "Democracy 4 Dummies" makes you laugh while you learn.
And it was made by one girl on a 4800 dollar grant!
