Film records generation's first vote

Author: Patrick D'Arcy

On Oct. 2, the documentary "18 in '08" offered both a historic and contemporary look at the youth vote in America to a crowd of young voters. The event, sponsored by Middlebury Republicans and Democrats, Brainerd Commons and the Alliance for Civic Engagement, welcomed the film's director David Burstein for the screening in Dana Auditorium, and afterwards for a reception and the vice presidential debate.

The film featured interviews with a number of influential politicians such as John Kerry, Chuck Hagel, Jeb Bush and Joe Lieberman, popular culture figures such as MTV's Gideon Yago and Richard Dreyfuss as well as a diverse collection of students. The documentary explores the youth vote, with a nonpartisan message to "overturn traditional under representation in election campaigns, get involved in the political process and vote."

"In order to have political power, we need to show that we're reliable voters," Burstein said to the crowd after the screening. "I think what we're about to see is a generational shift. I got really excited because there's so much potential [for youth voters] to make a meaningful impact on the political process."

Burstein, 19, a student at Haverford College, said he conceived the film the night after the 2004 election, when he was just 16 years old. He grabbed a camera and started to film. The film was edited in five weeks and released in 2007.

"I've seen the power film has to get a message across," Burstein said. "[The film] had to be created by young people, specifically for young people."

Burstein stressed, however, that while the film's audience was without a doubt the 17-24 year old American demographic, "it was important that we were respecting young voters." So while the film certainly has moments of humor, the film chooses to present its audience with facts and opinions about the youth vote through interviews, rather than through lots of celebrity endorsements or over-the-top humor-a tact, Burstein said, that's often employed in efforts to raise political awareness in young voters.

What began as simply a film has evolved into a nationwide campaign to register youth voters, and shake young voters of a feeling of apathy toward the political process. The "18 in '08" movement has registered 23,000 voters to date, and there was an opportunity for Middlebury students to register to vote after the screening, which was well received.

"The fact that [Burstein] spent his time doing [the documentary] is indicative of what our generation can do," George Altshuler '10.5, co-president of Middlebury Democrats, said. "I hope the message spreads."

Rachel Pagant '11, member of the Middlebury Republicans, said, "Voting is one of the most important points of being a citizen…. [The film] addresses a crucial point in young voters' lives."