WHEN Films and Journalists SPARK Public Debate
Democracy on Screen is a monthly documentary and conversation series created by French in Motion in partnership with The John Brademas Center of NYU. Launching in January 2026, the series showcases recent international documentaries that examine democracy as a pillar of human rights, followed by moderated discussions with journalists, filmmakers, and scholars. Each program invites audiences to engage with urgent questions about democratic resilience, press freedom, populism, and global governance -from Tunisia to Brazil, the United States to Ireland. Set in Washington, D.C., a global hub for international journalism and public debate, Democracy on Screen provides a thoughtful, accessible forum for students, cinephiles, and the wider community to reflect on how democratic systems are challenged, defended, and reimagined around the world.
OUR NEXT SCREENING + DEBATE
WASHINGTON – JANUARY 14
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The post-film discussion will feature:
MODERATOR
Nick Spicer, Europe Editor at NPR.
GUEST SPEAKER
Susannah George, Gulf bureau chief at The Washington Post, based in Dubai. She previously spent four years as The Post’s Afghanistan–Pakistan bureau chief, where she covered the fall of the Afghan government and the return of the Taliban to power.Ali Yawar Adili, Afghan policy researcher and analyst at NYU’s Center on International Cooperation (CIC).
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DATE: Wednesday, January 14
WHEN: 6:30 to 9:00 PM
(Doors open at 6:00 PM)
WHERE: NYU - 1307 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 -
Intimately filmed over 3 years from the inside, French ambassador to Afghanistan, David Martinon is the only foreign diplomat to anticipate the coming chaos of the withdrawal of American forces in 2021.
He mobilizes every resource to evacuate his staff and hundreds of civilians who who now face mortal danger with the return of the Taliban. -
KABOUL CHAOS
Directed by: Thomas Brémond, David Périssère, Nils Montel & Myriam WeilWritten by: Thomas Brémond, David Périssère, Nils Montel & Myriam Weil
Produced by: Federation Studio France (Myriam Weil) et Smith en Face (Jérôme Pierdet)
Year: 2024
Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Festivals & awards: Best Producer at the Miami Women's Film Festival; Outstanding Excellence at the Documentaries Without Borders Festival. Selected at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival
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Inspired by its founder, former Congressman and NYU President Emeritus, the John Brademas Center of New York University pursues a collection of initiatives in the areas which formed the core of John Brademas' life in public service: the state of Congress and the legislative process in democracies; the shifting dynamics in foreign policy and international affairs; and, the present state and future prospects for higher education, the humanities, arts and culture. With a growing reputation as a home for informed and civil debate on politics, public policy and other major issues facing the nation and global community—the Brademas Center undertakes programs at NYU's campuses in New York City and Washington, D.C., and increasingly around NYU’s global network.
