Represent

Represent, released in 2020, is a compelling documentary focused on women and politics - more specifically, the rise of female political leaders in America. The film features Bryn Bird, Julie Cho, and Myya Jones, all striving to make a difference in their respective political realms. Directed by Hillary Bachelder, the film aims to shed light on the internal and external challenges these women face while seeking political office, while also documenting their resilience, determination, and ingenuity.

Bryn Bird, a farmer from rural Ohio, is portrayed as a passionate advocate for her community, striving to remove the barriers between local products and those who wish to consume them. She is faced with the task of breaking into politics despite her lack of formal training or experience in government, leading a rural community that is deeply divided on a range of issues. Bird's story embodies the struggles faced by many women in rural America and underscores the importance of local communities in national politics.

Julie Cho, on the other hand, takes us into the world of suburban Illinois, where she fights an uphill political battle in a traditionally Democratic district. With a heart of gold, Cho’s story is filled with personal heartbreaks and public setbacks. However, she perseveres through the adversity, maintaining her faith in the power of the people.

The third woman featured in the film is Myya Jones, a young African American woman from Detroit, whose journey in politics began at a tender age when she dared to aim for the Detroit Mayor's office. Jones's inspiring climb up the political ladder and her refusal to be silenced makes for a heartening narrative of resilience, activism, and young leadership. Despite economic and social challenges, Jones’s determination radiates throughout her political journey.

Each of these women comes from different backgrounds, with varied political ideals, but they are bound together by their shared determination to gain representation for their communities.

Represent spotlights the experiences of these women, emphasizing not only the challenges but also the victories they achieve in their respective political paths, some of which are groundbreaking. It reveals the personal and professional difficulties that candidates often face on campaign trails — from managing demanding schedules and securing funding to grappling with mudslinging and battling systemic biases. Yet through all these trials, it brings to light the undeterred spirit of these women who, against all odds, aim to make a difference.

From town halls to political debates, grant applications to campaign trails, Represent captures the heartbeats of the American political landscape as experienced by female candidates. It balances the personal and political, intertwining these elements compellingly to present a portrait of leadership, advocacy, and change. Nevertheless, it doesn’t shy away from exposing the harsh realities of the American political climate; the tests that await these women are far from rosy.

The documentary stays away from glorifying the political landscape and instead focuses on the gritty realities, offering an honest and accurate representation of what it's like to be a woman in politics. It's as much a story of resilience and tenacity as it is about change and progress, embodied in these women who, against all odds, seek to make a difference in their corners of the world.

One of the most potent messages portrayed by this documentary is the need for diversification and democratisation in local, state, and federal political offices. Overall, Represent offers a broad view of the political landscape in America, highlighting the urgency for more diverse and representative leadership.

This real and intimate look into the lives of Bird, Cho, and Jones serves as a call-to-action film that encourages women of all ages and backgrounds to step into politics. All in all, Represent is an enlightening documentary that provides a thought-provoking exploration into women's increasing participation in politics, bringing forward the narratives of real women making real changes.

As we journey with these women through their highs and lows, the film leaves us with a powerful message: that true representation in politics is a warrant of genuine democracy and progress, and it takes each one of us to pave the way for such representation. With Represent, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the personal becomes deeply political. The film is an inspiring testament to the wave of women challenging the status quo and seeking to transform the American political landscape.