Why it matters: The feature film American Pot Story: Oaksterdam, which follows the cannabis legalisation efforts of Oakland-based Oaksterdam University, will premiere at the Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles. The film will be accompanied by an appearance from Tommy Chong and a Q&A with directors Dan Katzir and Ravit Markus, and follows the founders of Oaksterdam through their work campaigning for Proposition 19, and more than 10 years of activism and eventual legalisation in California.
What they are saying: Katzir said the filmmakers were motivated to make another film after Proposition 19’s failure at the polls. Meanwhile, executive chancellor Dale Skye Jones stated the film “really did capture the essence of what we were trying to get across” with their campaign and the School’s establishment.
The big picture: The success of the film overseas could help build interest in the legalisation of cannabis in other countries. The process has already begun, with Canada taking steps towards full legalisation by July 2018, to join several states in the US, Portugal and The Netherlands.
What to watch: The Dances With Films festival will run from June 22-July 2, with the premiere screening at the TCL Chinese Theatres on June 29. After, the filmmakers will hold Q&As with festival-goers and have applied to several other festivals for consideration.
My take: Documentaries and films of this nature provide vital information for those who have not been directly involved in legalisation or the wider conversation on cannabis. Additionally, Tommy Chong’s presence at the premiere will help draw attention to legalisation efforts among the Hollywood community and broader public, providing a platform to continue the conversation.
