Blending the energy and popular appeal of the Academy Award Nominated documentary, Spellbound with the real life stories behind the comedy, Election and the political insight of The War Room comes the spirited documentary, The Third Monday in October. In the midst of what was coined “the most important presidential race in modern time," this feature length documentary by Dupont Award Winner Vanessa Roth, and a team of award winning filmmakers, focuses on the campaigns and elections that millions of families across the country were really most focused on in the fall of 2004. Not the presidential race between Bush and Kerry, but the high stakes at hand in the Presidential elections of their 12 year old kids vying for the promise of leading their middle school student councils. Taking an intimate journey with these young candidates as they enter their races, through their campaigning, slogan writing, poster creating, public speaking and debating - and up until the final emotional and dramatic day of school elections (often held on The Third Monday in October) this film shows a true slice of American politics - raw and uncensored through the eyes and votes of American 12 year olds.

The Center for Civic Participation will work with the filmmakers to develop a civic engagement strategy that works with the film to develop community activities and educational tools.

For more information contact Suzanne Stenson O'Brien