Third Monday in October

“Imagine Vote for Pedro: The Documentary, and you’ve got half the appeal of this lively and insightful [film]. Highly recommended!”—Austin Chronicle

Recalling the charm, passion, and suspense of the spelling bee documentary Spellbound, Third Monday in October follows the dramatic details of 11 eighth-graders in four drastically different American schools who are all running for student council president. It's no coincidence that the film is set against the backdrop of the 2004 Bush vs. Kerry campaign, and the students and families profiled in the film take their campaigns no less seriously and earnestly than the national one—even if one candidate gives his speech dressed as Superman and one of the issues involved is better-smelling bathrooms.

”As they are just beginning to form their beliefs and ideas about the world around them, they risk their views and reputations in front of everyone they know," director Vanessa Roth comments about the student-candidates. The film touches on issues of race, class, identity, and the meaning of popularity but does so through entertaining methods sure to spark discussion among the entire audience. (91 mins., video)

Recommended for ages 8 and up

Talk Back
Kids and Grown-ups Discuss Third Monday in October
Sat, Dec 1 | 3:30 PM—3:50 PM

Share your ideas about Third Monday in October immediately after the screening at a film discussion especially for kids and grown-ups hosted by Kendra Meyer, educator for youth programs.

Trailer and Interview With the Director: