An American Pastoral

Directed by Auberi Edler

Film Movement

2024

120 Minutes

France

English

Documentary

American Democracy, American Studies, Women Directors, Citizenship and Civics, Education

Not Rated

Library Pricing:

DVD $150.00

Blu-ray $150.00

PPR $350.00

DRL $499.00

PPR+DRL $599.00

To submit an order, request a preview screener, or ask a question contact Erin Farrell

erin@filmmovement.com

In a quiet Pennsylvania town, a storm is brewing over the soul of its public schools. What begins as a debate over library books quickly reveals a deeper battle — one over religion, democracy, and the future of American education.

Set in Elizabethtown, nestled in the heart of Lancaster County, An American Pastoral follows a high-stakes local school board race as it becomes a flashpoint for a national culture war. With far-right activists pushing a theocratic agenda and longtime public servants stepping down under threat, the town’s once-routine school board meetings erupt into scenes of conflict and division.

This gripping documentary captures the voices of citizens fighting to protect their schools—and the fragile promise of secular democracy — one ballot at a time.

Highest Rating
"A timely and trenchant observation of school board politics. This strictly non-interventional documentary... offers no narration or commentary on a fraught face-off between ideologically moderate Democrats and a local Republican Party steered by far-right Christian nationalism. Instead, Edler’s calmly watchful film — sure to travel... on the strength of its sharp gaze and topical heft — trusts in viewers to see the national forest for the trees."

Guy Lodge, Variety
Highest Rating
"[T]his urgent, absorbing documentary should be required viewing for those, inside or outside the United States, who are struggling to make sense of the recent presidential election. It will also speak to anyone interested in the battle over books and gender issues that has been raging for some time now in the American educational sector."

Lee Marshall, Screen Daily
Highest Rating
"A riveting and chilling look at how democracy is often first eroded on a local level, and then national level, An American Pastoral is a reminder of a culture war that is hurting those who need education the most."

Courtney Small, POV Magazine
Highest Rating
"An American Pastoral is an intense political drama guaranteed to enrage...The film is an emotional experience that delivers a riveting journey that leaves you rattled, reflective, and maybe a little bit hopeful."

Thom Ernst, Original Cin