City Hall

United States | 2020 | Frederick Wiseman

You can’t fight city hall, so Frederick Wiseman decided to film it. For his 45th movie, America’s foremost chronicler of American institutions decided to document the inner workings of the municipal government in his native Boston, led by progressive mayor Martin Walsh. After a bruising presidential election, it’s perhaps restorative to be reminded that local government has more of an impact on our lives than does the federal one. Wiseman captures dedicated civil servants wrestling with such challenges as racial justice, affordable housing, and homelessness. Meanwhile, others work to maintain parks, city services, recordkeeping, etc. Has a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. “A civics lesson that’s subtly delivered within some thoroughly exciting documentary filmmaking.” –The Wrap. Cleveland premiere. 275 min.

City Hall, a Cinematheque streaming exclusive, can be viewed online from 11/6 thru at least 12/22 via the link below. (Doing so supports the Cinematheque.) Screening fee is $12, and after renting the film, you have 7 days to watch it. 

https://watch.eventive.org/cityhall/play/5f832f289c163b00fcb45881