Deep Dive: Dark Money (2018)
Film Lens
Dark Money is a documentary directed by Kimberly Reed that examines the impact of corporate money on American politics, focusing on Montana as a case study. The film discusses the historical context of corporate influence in the state, starting with the Anaconda Copper Mining Company and its effect on mining regulations, which led to environmental issues in Butte, Montana. The film shows Montana's 1912 ban on corporate campaign financing and the resurgence of corporate interests following the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision.
The film follows Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock's efforts to combat campaign finance abuses amid a stagnant Federal Election Commission. It features investigative journalist John S. Adams, who reports on the influence of organizations like the American Tradition Partnership on state election laws. The documentary also covers Montana's passage of the Montana Disclose Act in 2015, which aimed to increase transparency in campaign financing by requiring full disclosure of contributors' names.
Why Watch
- •Meet investigative journalist John S. Adams
- •Follow Steve Bullock's fight against dark money
- •See the impact of Citizens United on Montana politics
Did You Know
•Montana banned corporate campaign financing in 1912.
•The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2018.
•Montana reasserted its campaign finance sovereignty with the Montana Disclose Act in 2015.
Perfect For
Campaign finance reformMontana historyPolitical activism