Opening Night Film + Party: “Boys State”

“I’m gonna keep my job if it’s the last thing I do,” says one of the “elected officials” in Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine’s prize-winning documentary, and it’s hard not to wince. Filming a group of Texas teens selected to participate in the titular highly respected program, Boys State masterfully observes as they engage in a weeklong course of political instruction, forming parties and platforms and electing candidates. As enthusiasm gives way to the competitive instinct, with members of the two parties turning to ruthless campaigning and sophisticated smear tactics (including “fake news”) to win at all costs, the film holds up an unforgettable mirror to the country’s current political turmoil.