AMERICAN SOCIALIST:
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
EUGENE VICTOR DEBS
A film by Yale Strom
97 minutes, color, 2018
Bernie Sanders inspired a generation – but who inspired him?
This new documentary traces the history of American populism by exploring the life and times of Eugene Victor Debs, the man whose progressive ideas fueled generations to come – from FDR's New Deal to Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign. Here is an objective but passionate history of the movement as founded and championed by Debs, a movement that continues to have an impact on our lives today.
"Using the technique pioneered by Ken Burns but with much more political acumen, 'American Socialist' is vastly entertaining and politically insightful."
-Counterpunch
"Bernie Sanders spoke of change and change was what Debs, Sanders' hero,
was about. Filmmaker Yale Strom introduces us to Debs, whose character and
convictions on equality cemented his legacy as an icon of the socialist movement.
Along the way, viewers pick up a lot of knowledge – from the rise of socialism to
Debs being the first presidential candidate imprisoned for his campaign platform."
-Chicago Tribune
"Poignantly captures the courage and conviction of one man driven by an
all-consuming moral mission to elevate the masses, speak truth to power
and change the world. And almost 100 years after his death, the ideas he was
imprisoned and ridiculed for are fueling the progressive movement of the
21st century, proving that a vision laced with truth and hope never dies."
-Our Revolution
"I hope anyone who feels we can be a more just and humane society
sees this film before November’s elections."
-San Diego Uptown News
On iTunes and DVD July 3
