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Sometimes change calls for a little trouble.

JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dawn Porter (TRAPPEDGIDEON’S ARMY), chronicles the life and career of the legendary civil rights activist and Democratic Representative from Georgia. Using interviews and rare archival footage, JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE chronicles John Robert Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration. Using present-day interviews with Lewis, 80 years old at the time of filming, Porter explores his childhood experiences, his inspiring family and his fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957. In addition to her interviews with Lewis and his family, Porter’s primarily cinéma verité film also includes interviews with political leaders, Congressional colleagues, and other people who figure prominently in his life.

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impact

Impact

The campaign presented a major opportunity to move the needle on voter suppression in perhaps the most important election in modern history. Participant worked to strengthen “Get Out the Vote” (GOTV) efforts in disenfranchised communities in the 2020 election through a national effort to create visibility and targeted work with local Georgia partners. As a result, voters, particularly in poor and communities of color, were able to vote without fear, intimidation, and unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

The campaign helped organizations connect with targeted constituents in support of their GOTV goals. Grassroots organizations in Georgia used the film and campaign’s financial and in-kind support to build their organizing capacity, reaching disenfranchised communities by hosting events and screenings. Participant provided a platform that connected the film to tools and resources we developed to supplement the film’s message of GOTV and racial equity. 

74 Private Screening Experiences resulted in more than 100K tickets sold using the film to highlight the importance of civic engagement and inclusion with employees across the country. Through press and influencers, the campaign increased awareness of modern-day voter suppression and ways to help key organizations.Among many awards, John Lewis: Good Trouble won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary Film.

Learn

Learn

In 2013, the Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder allowed for a wave of new voter suppression laws that make it harder for poor communities, immigrant communities, indigenous communities, and communities of color to vote. This is especially true in southern states where the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow are ever-present. To combat this, you can use your voice and privilege to support others’ right to vote.

FAQs

take action

Vote. Make Good Trouble.

Elections don’t just happen every four years. Every single week, local elections are happening that impact every single aspect of our daily lives. Make sure you’re set to make GOOD TROUBLE in every upcoming election.

Watch the film and follow along with the GOOD TROUBLE handbook to learn how you can stay informed, take action, and make sure everyone has the ability to vote.

Make Good Trouble

Watch the film and follow along with the GOOD TROUBLE handbook to learn how you can stay informed, take action, and make sure everyone has the ability to vote.

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Credits
Poster for the film John Lewis: Good Trouble.
Director
Dawn Porter
Producers
Erika Alexander, Ben Arnon, Laura Michalchyshyn
Executive Producers
Amy Entelis, Courtney Sexton, Dori Begley, Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann, Stuart Ford, Rachel Traub, Ian Orefice, Mike Beck
Supervising Producer
Summer Damon
Original music
Tamar-Kali
Editor
Jessica Congdon
Director of Photography
Keither Walker
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