"Democracy 4 Dummies" is a 45 minute satirical "how to" documentary that was released by the National Film Board in November, 2007. Born from a budget of only $4800 and a borrowed camera, the film was written, directed, produced, edited, shot, and narrated by Sophia Male.

"Democracy 4 Dummies" follows the campaign of the eccentric hemp store owner and residential landlord Dylan Perceval-Maxwell, who runs against Gilles Duceppe in Montreal in his vegetable oil car that is falling apart. In a Daily Show style tutorial, viewers laugh and learn how to run a campaign with little or no money, rather using creativity such as flyering with dogs wrapped in signs, and wearing skirts. So far it's doing really well, and has even been "highly recommended by the Ministry of Alberta."

The first review says, "It is really quite an inspiring little documentary full of pithy political quotes and goofy characters. We live in a remarkable country where anyone with a little gumption can run for political office."(cm magazine)

For more information check out the film's website at www.democracy4dummies.com and/or you can buy the film in Canada through the National Film Board.

Sophia the Videographer/Editor: