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 – FEBRUARY 11
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DATE: Wednesday, February 11
WHEN: 6:30 to 9:00 PM
(Doors open at 6:00 PM)
WHERE: NYU - 1307 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 -
The screening will be followed by an in-person conversation, co-sponsored with NYU’s Center on International Cooperation (CIC), situating Venezuela’s present moment within the region’s political history and today’s evolving global dynamics.
The discussion will be moderated by Nick Spicer (Europe Editor, NPR) and will feature Rodrigo Diamanti, Claire Meynial, and Laura Ospina, bringing together journalistic, human rights, and policy perspectives on Venezuela and the broader region.
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A documentary portrait of Nicolás Maduro, tracing his unlikely rise from bus driver to president of Venezuela and his grip on power amid economic collapse, international sanctions, and mounting repression.
The film examines the contradictions of Maduro’s rule, his role in both Venezuela’s years of oil-fueled prosperity and its profound decline, while exploring how ideology, authoritarian governance, and political survival have reshaped the country and its place on the global stage.
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MADURO: THE INDESTRUCTIBLE
Directed by:
Paul Cabanis
Written by:
Gindel Delgado Aguilar, Paul Cabanis, Sonia DridiProduced by: Kraken Films
Clement Gargoullaud, David MuntanerYear: 2024
Length: 52 minutes
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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.
PREVIOUSLY in DEMoCRACY ON SCreEN
KABUL CHAOS
Escaping the taliban
JANUARY 14
WATCH THE CONVERSATION
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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 -
The screening will be followed by a conversation with Nick Spicer, Europe Editor at NPR, and:
Susannah George, Gulf Bureau Chief at The Washington Post, formerly Afghanistan–Pakistan Bureau Chief, who covered the fall of the Afghan government and the Taliban’s return to power.
Ali Yawar Adili, Afghan policy researcher and analyst at NYU’s Center on International Cooperation (CIC).
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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 now face mortal danger with the return of the Taliban.
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KABUL CHAOS: ESCAPING THE TALIBAN
Written andDirected 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: 90 minutes
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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.
