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Democrats Rally in Denver

By Kimball Stroud on August 28, 2008 9:42 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

This year at the Democratic and Republican conventions, Jamie Shor, Jody Arlington, and I produced the Impact Film Festival (IFF). Together with programming director Rachel Goslins, we screened socially-themed narrative and documentary films for audiences in Denver and St. Paul and were fortunate to have the following directors in attendance: Stefan Forbes (Boogieman), Susan Koch (Kicking It), Mary Lambert (14 Women), Tia Lesson and Carl Deal (Trouble the Water), Jessica Gerstle (Accidental Advocate), Timothy Greenfield-Sanders (The Blacklist), Irena Salina (FLOW), Stuart Townsend (Battle in Seattle), and Patrick Creadon – with his timely I.O.U.S.A.

We closed the event with a special screening of Robert Kennedy Remembered. Academy Award winning director Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) introduced the film on behalf of his late father, Charles Guggenheim, who directed it in 1968. It was a moving experience to see the film with Ethel Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, and other members of the Kennedy family. Grace Guggenheim, the daughter of the director, was in attendance as well as Elizabeth Shue (wife of Davis Guggenheim) and her brother Andrew.

The Democratic Convention began with Sen. Ted Kennedy's powerful address to the delegates on Monday night. It was his first public appearance since his illness and his speech was not to be missed. The evening concluded with a special address by Michelle Obama who presented herself in the tradition of Jackie Kennedy. Each evening built upon the next with Tuesday's highlight being Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's passionate endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama and Wednesday's being vice presidential nominee Joe Biden and his inspiring life story.

Many of the events during the week were festive occasions celebrating art, music, film, and diversity and prompted discussion on issues impacting American families.

For me the week started on a magical note with a concert and rally at Red Rocks, and powerful performances by Sheryl Crow, Sugarland, and Dave Matthews. Environmental activist Laurie David hosted with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Gov. Tim Kaine of Virgina speaking to crowds of delegates, activists and members of Congress.

Monday night's parties featured all-star line-ups of musicians focusing on youth activism and voter registration. Rock the Vote's Ballot Bash was held at the historic Denver Opera House and included performances by Fall Out Boy, NERD, and Jakob Dylan. Ashlee Simpson (her sister Jessica is a rumored McCain supporter) stayed backstage for most of the night to support her new husband, Fall Out Boy bass player Pete Wentz. Also on Monday night, Headcount hosted a moving and fun-filled event with Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

The Common Good/Hispanic Institute panel and party with Patricia Duff,  New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, and Chevy Chase and the salute to the Screen Actors Guild hosted by IFF and MySpace were the highlights of Tuesday. Grammy Award winning artist Nelly rocked the house until the wee hours. His girlfriend Ashanti made a surprise appearance to sing a duet. ArcheDream for Humankind opened the evening with a spectacular dance show. Superstar actress Charlize Theron and her longtime boyfriend Stuart Townsend, Senator Biden's daughter Ashley, and Cindy Lauper were there with the hundreds of delegates and Obama supporters joining in the fun.

Wednesday night featured the star-studded IFF/Screen Actors Guild VIP dinner hosted by Rob and Anna Hawken McKay, Phil and Tammy Murphy, Julius Genachowski, and Rachel Goslins. The posh setting, low lighting, and celebrity-filled garden was unforgettable. The final event was Thursday night at Invesco Field where Sen. Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for the presidency. The day was unlike any other, starting with the actual journey to the stadium. Some spectators arrived six hours early to ensure admittance.

Once inside, the energy was indescribable. We had entered the Super Bowl of politics. Vendors sold buttons that simply said, "I was there." As Obama stepped on the stage to make history, tens of thousands stood to their feet and rejoiced. The crowd waved American flags and proclaimed, "Yes we can!" I still get chills thinking about it.