Punctuated by the sharp and witty political commentary of Pulitzer-prize winning editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes (formerly of the Washington Post), top political analysts lay bare the complex history and challenges of the world’s most influential political system, on the eve of the 2024 election.

Oscar-nominated Director Laura Nix trains her insightful lens on one of American democracy’s most extreme and vital eras in its nearly 250 years of existence. The film connects present-day crises with their roots in American history via commentary with A-list political observers who explore constitutional logjams, executive overreach, and a crisis in judicial ethics, as the country grapples with fundamental challenges that transcend individual presidencies. 

Packed with the innovative dark humor of Telnaes’ cartoons, the film examines how the promise of American multiracial democracy faces a renewed backlash. Can the nation preserve its democratic ideals, or will it fall prey to an authoritarian takeover?

DEMOCRACY UNDER SIEGE is the sixth and final film in the award-winning DRAW FOR CHANGE series. Each film pairs a female filmmaker with a female cartoonist working under censorship, dictatorship, fascism, and other restrictive governments and societies, across the globe.

 www.drawforchangetheseries.com

2025 RIAS Berlin Commission Media Award Winner

“A cinematic masterpiece that proves that satire and journalism can have an enormous impact together.”

- RIAS Berlin Commission

“Nix has made a bombshell film that is the equivalent of smelling salts under the noses of an engaged global citizenry.” - DOC NYC

“Thanks to Telnaes's art, the film takes on a unique look and a touch of lightness. A lightness that always does justice to the seriousness and potentially dramatic dimensions of the subject matter. ” - Pressespiegel

“A detailed analysis of the dysfunction of American institutions, which is pushing democracy towards a precipice.” - Télé Cable