The Body Politic

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The Body Politic

2024

1h 27m

Documentary

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5 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

THE BODY POLITIC is a harbinger of hope in a country plagued by gun violence. Brandon Scott is a young Mayor who grew up during Baltimore's most troubling years and sets out, with unyielding idealism, to change the course of his battered and beloved city. He is elected Mayor amid nationwide unrest following the murder of George Floyd. With unfettered access, cameras follow Brandon throughout his first year in office as he introduces an ambitious plan for violence reduction and police reform that he promises will lower the city's murder rate. Pundits claim Brandon’s political health and the city's health are tied to the number 348 -- the total murders Baltimore had the previous year, more homicides than NYC, a city 15 times its size. After entering office and barely getting a chance to enact his first safety reforms, violence surges to new highs. As the media and political foes attack his holistic approach, his commitment to his plan and principles put his political future in jeopardy. Will his holistic approach lead to healing and serve as a blueprint for the rest of the nation?

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Tim Miller

Cape Cod Wave Magazine

Baltimore has more murders than New York City ... and newly elected Mayor Brandon Scott says it’s time to use more innovative, long-term solutions. ... Director Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough explores Scott’s efforts ... to fulfill his vision.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 21, 2025

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Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

“The Body Politic” is not just another compilation of archival news segments with a sprinkling of exclusive interviews, but a political documentary that depicts how the sausage is made, the ordinary heroes that support the government initiatives

Jul 6, 2025

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Christopher Llewellyn Reed

Film Festival Today

Democracy and proper governance, it turns out, are not only requirements of a healthy society but make for excellent cinema, too.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 25, 2024

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Manuel Betancourt

FilmWeek (LAist)

As a portrait of someone trying to bring progressive policies into action, I think you might find a lot to admire here.

Oct 24, 2024

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Christopher Campbell

Nonfics (Substack)

In a year steeped in ugly politics surrounding the presidential election, with...documentaries focused on the negative aspects of candidates and the horrible divide in our country, it’s nice to see a story about a positive and productive politician.

Sep 27, 2024

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Nathan P

This beautifully filmed Documentary is a must see. Raw, emotional, heartbreaking and hopeful.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

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Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough

Director

Brandon Scott

Self

Erricka Bridgeford

Self

Dante Johnson

Self

Shantay Jackson

Self

John Benam

Producer

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Synopsis

THE BODY POLITIC is a harbinger of hope in a country plagued by gun violence. Brandon Scott is a young Mayor who grew up during Baltimore's most troubling years and sets out, with unyielding idealism, to change the course of his battered and beloved city. He is elected Mayor amid nationwide unrest following the murder of George Floyd. With unfettered access, cameras follow Brandon throughout his first year in office as he introduces an ambitious plan for violence reduction and police reform that he promises will lower the city's murder rate. Pundits claim Brandon’s political health and the city's health are tied to the number 348 -- the total murders Baltimore had the previous year, more homicides than NYC, a city 15 times its size. After entering office and barely getting a chance to enact his first safety reforms, violence surges to new highs. As the media and political foes attack his holistic approach, his commitment to his plan and principles put his political future in jeopardy. Will his holistic approach lead to healing and serve as a blueprint for the rest of the nation?

Director: Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough
Producer: John Benam, Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough, Dawne Langford
Distributor: Rowhouse Collective
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 27, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 27m

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