American Troubles: A Tale of Two Democracies

Mar 17, 2026

0h 40m

★ 0.0

democracy is on the ballot... and the ballot is broken.

Overview

America's democracy feels more divided than ever - but what if the problem lies in how we vote? "American Troubles" explores whether proportional representation could break the cycle of dysfunction, drawing comparisons from two striking case studies: Portland, Oregon, where a bold new voting system is reshaping local politics, and Northern Ireland, where proportional elections helped end decades of violent conflict. Blending history, reform, and human stories, the film shows how electoral rules can entrench division - or create space for compromise.

Genres

History

Documentary

Production Companies

Twisted Scholar

American Troubles: A Tale of Two Democracies Trailers

Cast

Self

George Cheung

Self

Colin Joseph Cole

Self

Heather Villanueva

Martin Cooper’s documentary feature explores the lives and work of six internationally renowned, independent animators and animation directors. These multi-award-winning artists are Jim Blashfield, Rose Bond, Joan C. Gratz, Zak Margolis, Joanna Priestley and Chel White. Their animated films span a period of over 40 years and reflect a wide range of techniques, from direct animation and classic stop-motion, through 3D models, clay painting, computer-generated imagery up to AI. History, Mystery & Odyssey is entirely filmed in Portland Oregon, where all these animators live and work.

7.2

Bloody Sunday

Jan 25, 2002

The dramatised story of the Irish civil rights protest march on January 30 1972 which ended in a massacre by British troops.

0.0

The Day Called X

Dec 8, 1957

Portentously portrays the evacuation of Portland, Oregon, when threatened by a nuclear attack on its state-of-the-art civil defense system.

9.0

Troubled

May 23, 2023

While the overt violence and conflict associated with the Troubles may have subsided since the Good Friday Agreement, it is true that many people in Northern Ireland continue to be affected by the legacy of the conflict. This includes individuals who were directly impacted by the violence, as well as those who continue to struggle with the social, economic, and political consequences of the conflict. While the actual violence and conflict may have ended, the legacy of the Troubles still lingers on in Northern Ireland; many are still struggling to come to terms with what happened and find a way to move forward.

7.2

Road

Jun 11, 2014

Brothers addicted to speed at any price. Documentary following the motorcycle road racing careers, and fate, of the Dunlop family.

0.0

The Brighton Bomb

Sep 14, 2004

It was the most notorious terrorist incident since the Gunpowder Plot - an attempt by the IRA to wipe out the entire UK government on 12 October 1984 as it convened on the south coast. Award-winning journalist Peter Taylor remembers the carnage as special effects and emotional testimony from survivors combine in a tense reconstruction. Followed by The Hunt for the Bomber.

0.0

Mairéad Farrell: An Unfinished Conversation

Jan 1, 2014

Mairéad Farrell was shot dead by the SAS in Gibraltar in 1988 along with two other unarmed members of the IRA in one of the most controversial incidents arising from the Troubles in Northern Ireland. She had just been released from prison the year before after serving ten years for causing an explosion at an hotel near Belfast. The killing of the three provoked an international outcry and eventual enquiry. Due to her youth, her gender and her stature within the IRA, Mairéad Farrell was, unsurprisingly, quickly subsumed into the pantheon of Irish republican martyrs. But behind the mythologizing and demonisation of the time, there was also a real person, a flesh and blood young woman who was prepared to kill and die for her beliefs.

5.8

Maze

Sep 22, 2017

Inspired by the true events of the infamous 1983 prison breakout of 38 IRA prisoners from HMP Maze, which was to become the biggest prison escape in Europe since World War II.

0.0

Down To The Final

Dec 14, 1994

A unique production, featuring each member of the All-Ireland team, together with former Down footballing legends. Hear the strategies and comments from Manager Pete McGrath, interviews, comments and analysis from former Down stars like Sean O'Neill, Paddy Doherty, James McCartan, Peter Rooney and Liam Austin. Enjoy the revealing interviews from Down's previous All Ireland Winning captains Kevin Mussen - (1960), Paddy Doherty - (1961), Joe Lennon - (1968), Paddy O'Rourke - (1991) as well as current captain DJ. Kane - (1994). A history of Down football to treasure forever. Presented by Kevin Mallon Produced and Directed by Hugh Hardy

0.0

No Place to Grow Old

Sep 27, 2024

No Place to Grow Old is the first documentary to capture a growing crisis unfolding quietly across America: older adults aging into homelessness. Set in Portland, Oregon, this film follows the lives of three older adults navigating the harsh realities of life without a home. Through their stories of hardship and resilience, the film offers an intimate portrayal of their challenges while illuminating the systemic issues contributing to their plight. Featuring insights from local and national experts, No Place to Grow Old is a powerful call to action that emphasizes dignity and hope, envisioning a future where everyone, regardless of age, has a safe and secure place to call home.

7.2

Hunger

May 15, 2008

The story of Bobby Sands, the IRA member who led the 1981 hunger strike during The Troubles in which Irish Republican prisoners tried to win political status.

10.0

Pickles, Pickles, Pickles

Feb 15, 2025

The Portland Pickles are upending the entertainment world without compromising the essence of America’s pastime. As the #1 attended collegiate wood bat team in America, they draw fans from all walks of life with a bold embrace of local culture and community spirit. Experience the beauty, excitement, and passion of local summer baseball with the next wave of MLB stars.

7.6

No Stone Unturned

Sep 30, 2017

Ireland's victory over Italy at the World Cup in New Jersey in 1994, remains a source of Irish pride. But it is haunted by memories of a massacre: terrorists opened fire and killed six innocents while they watched the match in a small village pub in Northern Ireland. Remarkably, no one was ever charged for the crime. For more than twenty years the victims' families have searched for answers. Now, at last, they may have found them. But what they learn turns a murder mystery into bigger inquiry relevant for us all: what happens when governments cover up the truth?

0.0

The OGRE

Feb 2, 2025

OGRE, a pre-crash bunker wave earth tone noxious metal rubber tone mathscape grass-fed conglomerate bass post-ego brown noise premeditated deathcore punk rock jazz band from Portland, Oregon takes on their biggest show yet.

0.0

Lohnunternehmen: 5 Länder - 5 Geschichten

Jan 3, 2016

No overview available.

No Image

0.0

Ireland: Behind the Wire

Jan 1, 1974

A powerful record of what life —behind the wire— was like for the Catholic community living in the towns of North Ireland during the Troubles.

6.7

Zoo

Jun 8, 2018

Young Tom and his misfit friends fight to save 'Buster' the baby elephant during the German air raid bombings of Belfast in 1941.

0.0

Here Comes the Summer: The Undertones Story

Sep 7, 2012

In 1978 the Undertones released Teenage Kicks, one of the most perfect and enduring pop records of all time - an adolescent anthem that spoke to teenagers all over the globe. It was the first in a string of hits that created a timeless soundtrack to growing up, making the Undertones one of punk rock's most prolific and popular bands.

No Image

0.0

The Magic Box

Oct 23, 2012

A special live broadcast on both BBC and UTV, hosted by Eamonn Holmes, celebrating the best of Northern Ireland television over the past 60 years and marking the occasion of digital switchover.

American Troubles: A Tale of Two Democracies

Overview

Genres

Production Companies

American Troubles: A Tale of Two Democracies Trailers