Screenings

Primary

  • to This is a past program

Focusing on the 1960 Democratic Party presidential primary, Primary is a groundbreaking documentary that follows John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey as they crisscross Wisconsin, each trying to convince voters that he is the one who can beat Richard Nixon. (1960, Dir. R. Drew, 60 min.)

Election Films

In anticipation of the 2012 presidential election in November, the Hammer presents a series of documentaries, each offering an enlightening perspective on the political campaign process.

Primary

Tuesday, August 14, 7:30pm

Focusing on the 1960 Democratic Party presidential primary, this groundbreaking documentary follows John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey as they crisscross Wisconsin, each trying to convince voters that he is the one who can beat Richard Nixon. (1960, Dir. R. Drew, 60 min.)

The War Room

Thursday, August 23, 7:30pm

James Carville, George Stephanopoulos, and Bill Clinton strategize how to beat George H.W. Bush in the 1992 presidential election despite numerous setbacks. (1993, Dirs. C. Hegedus, D. A. Pennebaker, 96 min.)

Spin

Tuesday, August 28, 7:30PM

Using unauthorized satellite footage, filmmaker Brian Springer captures alarming behind-the-scenes maneuverings of politicians and newscasters—who presume they’re off camera—during the 1992 presidential election. (1995, Dir. B. Springer, 57 min.)

Journeys with George

Wednesday, August 29, 7:30PM

This intimate and amusing portrait of life on the 2000 presidential campaign trail depicts a young, carefree George W. Bush prior to the election recount controversy and the 9/11 attacks. (2003, Dirs. A. Pelosi, A. Lubarsky, 79 min.)

…So Goes the Nation

Thursday, August 30, 7:30pm

Concentrating on the battleground state of Ohio, this film follows John Kerry and George W. Bush in the months leading up to the 2004 presidential election. (2006, Dirs. A. Del Deo, J. Stern, 90 min.)

All Hammer public programs are free and made possible by a major gift from the Dream Fund at UCLA.

Generous support is also provided by Susan Bay Nimoy and Leonard Nimoy, the Simms/Mann Family Foundation, The Brotman Foundation of California, Good Works Foundation and Laura Donnelley, and all Hammer members.