A showing of the award-winning documentary film Les Doleances (2025, 59 mins, in French with English subtitles) about a French mayor who sets out on a quest. After President Macron invited citizens to submit their opinions, many thousands did, but he ignored them. Mayor Dalongeville wants to know: What did those citizens have to say, and what can they teach us all about democracy today? 

The film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring: 

• Jonathan Laurence, Professor of Political Science at Boston College and Director of the Clough Center for the Study of Constitutional Democracy.
• Carol Ferrara, Assistant Professor, Marketing Communication Department, Emerson College
• Nick Coccoma, Executive Director of Assemble America
• Laurie Johnston, Professor of Theology, Emmanuel College, and Visiting Professor, International Studies Program, Boston College

For further information on the film: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/grievance-politics-french-style