Knock Down the House

At a moment of historic volatility in American politics, insurgent candidates Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amy Vilela, Cori Bush, and Paula Jean Swearengin decided to fight back and embarked on a journey that would change their lives and their country forever. Knock Down the House (2019) follows the grassroots campaigns of these four ambitious women as they challenge powerful incumbents in the 2018 congressional race. Despite their lack of political experience and corporate donations, these women work to redefine community values and represent populations that have been ignored by passive leadership. By communicating their personal motivations, collective struggles, and nuanced triumphs, Knock Down the House captures each candidate’s impact on American politics.

Producer Sarah Olson and documentary subject Cori Bush will join moderator Emily Zinn for a post-screening discussion.

Knock Down the House