American Blackout

American Blackout, by Ian Inaba, explores the trials and tribulations of Cynthia McKinney, a Black congresswoman from the state of Georgia. The documentary covers McKinney’s runs in the 2002 and 2004 Democratic primaries for her district. She suffered a defeat in 2002 that many viewed as a result of Republican voters participating, a possibility enabled by Georgia’s open primary system. In 2004, she won re-election when her successor decided to run for the Senate.

The film also examines the period between these two races, during which McKinney became involved in issues of voter disenfranchisement and efforts to learn more about the events of 9/11. One of the more controversial American politicians of recent times, McKinney has both ardent supporters and fervent detractors.

American Blackout paints an intimate, nuanced portrait of McKinney while interviewing many prominent politicians and experts, including John Lewis and Bernie Sanders. It takes an unflinching look at American democracy during the George W. Bush era.