description Boys State Overview
"Boys State" is a 2020 political documentary directed by Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine. The film follows a group of teenage boys participating in the American Legion's Boys State program in Texas, where they build and run a representative mock government over the course of a week. It highlights the intense campaigning, ideological divides, and political maneuvering among the participants. The documentary provides a grounded look at the American democratic process and won the U.S.
Grand Jury Prize for documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.
help Boys State FAQ
What are the Federalist and Nationalist parties in Boys State?
They are fictional parties assigned to participants at the Texas Boys State program rather than branches of the real US political parties. The teenagers must create platforms, choose leaders, run campaigns, and build a mock state government.
Who are the main students followed in Boys State?
The documentary focuses especially on Steven Garza, Ben Feinstein, René Otero, and Robert MacDougall. Their competing strategies reveal very different approaches to coalition building, public speaking, and political ambition.
Is Boys State scripted?
No, Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine filmed a real week-long American Legion program in Texas. The campaigns and speeches are created by the teenage participants, although the finished documentary selects and edits several storylines.
Is there a companion documentary about the girls' program?
Yes, Moss and McBaine later directed Girls State, following the corresponding program in Missouri. Apple released that documentary in 2024 after also distributing Boys State.
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