By Dale Miller
Canada is not the model democracy it appears to be.
This is the message presented in a new documentary, Democracy in the Shadows, that takes a unique look at democracy in Alberta and Canada, as well as the controversy surrounding this issue.
The film, produced by the Inglewood Film and Art School and Sweetgrass Films Inc., was first suggested by a student before the 2004 provincial election as a response to the increase in political apathy.
“The average person is disconnected from the political system,” explained Democracy in the Shadows’ Director Brent Spiess. “They feel as though they are not included in government decisions, and that the government is run by an elitist group who is only paying lip service to democracy.”
The film was completely shot by students who went everywhere, from truck stops to the University of Calgary, to get average citizens’ opinions of both provincial and federal democracy. The film also includes interviews with various political experts, including a U of C professor.
Although the people interviewed in the film all came from different backgrounds, there was a general agreement about what is wrong with our political system.
“The first common concern was that citizens generally feel disconnected from the government,” said Spiess. “The second concern they expressed was that changes are needed to make [the government] more inclusive. They want to have their voices heard.”
Spiess agrees the voice of the public is not being heard, and believes democracy is suffering.
“Everything is being done to get politicians re-elected,” he said. “They are putting [their own] ambition ahead of the common good which frustrates the public so they don’t vote.”
While Spiess doesn’t think the film will have any direct impact on the government, he hopes the film at least causes citizens to stop and think.
“When it comes to reaching out to the ordinary person, I think we did a pretty good job,” he said. “We [want to] encourage the public that there is a possibility for change.”