Wonder Reels: a night for music and film lovers

Wonder Reels present a special screening of a documentary coming at a moment of profound political and social crisis. What Is Democracy? (2018) reflects on “democracy” – a word we too often take for granted.

From the director of Zizek! (2005) and Examined Life! (2008), director Astra Taylor’s idiosyncratic, philosophical journey spans millennia and continents: from ancient Athens’ groundbreaking experiment in self-government to capitalism’s roots in medieval Italy; from modern-day Greece grappling with financial collapse and a mounting refugee crisis to the United States reckoning with its racist past and the growing gap between rich and poor.

Featuring a diverse cast—including celebrated theorists, trauma surgeons, activists, factory workers, asylum seekers, and former prime ministers—this urgent film connects the past and the present, the emotional and the intellectual, the personal and the political, in order to provoke and inspire. If we want to live in democracy, we must first ask what the word “democracy” even means.

Plus live music from leftist icon Laetitia Sadier.

This event is a benefit for the charity Help Refugees.

18.00 Doors open
18.30 Laetitia Sadier live
19.00 Interval
19.30 Film (duration 107 minutes)
21.30 Close

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets: In advance: £8.50/£6.50 concessions; on the door: £10/£7 concessions.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Billetto, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.