“The American Question is a deeply personal film for me,” said director James Kicklighter. “Growing up in one of America’s poorest regions, I experienced firsthand the stark divide between rural life and opportunities in big cities. Over the years, it has alarmed me how trust has eroded between these two Americas. Through bridging both worlds, I wanted to craft a film that could speak to my friends in Bellville, Georgia and Los Angeles. As The American Question explores the roots of polarization in our society, I hope that through dialogue, and most importantly, the solutions we present, our film shows that despite our differences, Americans share the same dreams.”
Bill Guentzler, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Operations, Gravitas Ventures, said: “At a time when America is more divided than ever, Gravitas is proud to bring The American Question to audiences across digital platforms this October as we head into the election. Director James Kicklighter dives into our shared history through personal stories in order to examine the moments and events that in hindsight should have brought us more together and through these stories aims to find the spirit that can reconnect us all.”
“After traveling across the country for over 8 years, and hearing from so many regular Americans, I believe we are seeing the beginning of a new era in the American experiment,” said producer Guy Seemann. “New identities are being formed, and old ones are being left behind. As it was during the Revolutionary, Civil and First World War, everyone is asking themselves the question, ‘Who am I in this new world?’ There isn’t just one ‘American Question.”
“When empires question their identity in times of monumental transitions, there is a lot of hardship, pain and mistrust that accompanies it. That is what we are seeing now.
The American Question dives deep into the reasons why this is all happening, and what we can do to pull ourselves out of this spiral. With all our mistakes, the world needs America in this time of turmoil, but more importantly, we need each other. I want to live in neighborhoods where people can depend and trust in each other again — instead of looking to Washington to define us as citizens.”
