Cinema Politique aims to introduce and discuss international and national political developments on the basis of documentaries and movies. Led by Cas Mudde of the School of Public and International Affairs, and Mary Miller, Peabody Awards Collection archivist with the UGA Libraries, the series will draw largely from the vast Peabody Awards Collection, and will take place once a month. A UGA faculty member will introduce each film, lead a discussion afterwards and make additional reading suggestions. January’s selection is the 1939 classic Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. Discussion led by Anthony Madonna of the department of political science.
Synopsis: When the idealistic young Jefferson Smith winds up appointed to the United States Senate, he gains the mentorship of Sen. Joseph Paine. However, Paine isn't as noble as his reputation would indicate, and he becomes involved in a scheme to discredit Smith, who wants to build a boys' campsite where a more lucrative project could go. Determined to stand up against Paine and his corrupt peers, Smith takes his case to the Senate floor.