The American Question (2024)

The American Question delves into the heart of a divided America, exploring the historical and contemporary factors that have eroded our trust in our neighbors, communities, institutions, and government. The film takes viewers on a journey from historical empires to pivotal moments in modern America, through an independent team's eight-year mission to discover the forces that shaped our now divided society. Sharing personal stories from diverse Americans in swing state communities in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and analysis from leading political scientists and historians, the film uncovers how economic shifts like globalization and the atrophy of local communities have fragmented the national identity. With input from numerous experts, including Colin Woodard (American Nations), Amy Chua (Day of Empire), Yuval Levin (The Fractured Republic), Tania Israel (Beyond Your Bubble), and narrated by political analyst, Guy Tal Seemann, The American Question seeks to answer the pressing question: can America rediscover its unifying values and restore trust among its people? From acclaimed director James Kicklighter (The Sound of Identity), The American Question is produced by Guy Seemann, p.g.a. and James Kicklighter, p.g.a., with executive producer S. Asher Gelman (Sabbath Queen, Afterglow). The director of photography is Jonathan Pope (Emmy® Award Nominee, The Social Dilemma), edited by Mohamed El Manasterly (Emmy® Award Winner, "Welcome to Wrexham," The Square), James Kicklighter, J.D. Sievertson, ACE ("The Chi," "Cosmos") and Carlos Puga (Emmy® Award Winner, "True Life"), featuring an original score by Nicolas Repetto (The Sound of Identity, A Run for More) and original animation by Filmograph (Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Joker: Folie à Deux, John Wick).