Columbia, Missouri – Sundance documentary filmmakers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine are back at it again. After their success with the film Boys State, which explored a mock government program for teenage boys, Moss and McBaine turned their cameras to the first ever Girls State program in Missouri. The film offers a unique look into the experiences of young women navigating politics and leadership.
Girls State, organized by the American Legion, had historically been a separate program from Boys State. However, in the summer of 2022, the two programs coexisted on the same campus for the first time in their 80-year history. The film captures the girls’ journey as they grapple with the weighty issues of the day, including women’s rights in the aftermath of the leaked Dobbs draft opinion on Roe v Wade.
The documentary follows several participants with diverse backgrounds and political beliefs. One standout is Emily, an ambitious and determined conservative who dreams of becoming president in 2040. She faces competition from Faith, a strong-willed young woman who challenges societal expectations for female docility. Through their experiences, we witness the growth and confidence-building that takes place over the intensive week-long program.
While the boys’ program adheres to its traditional structure, the girls’ program feels looser and less formal. The documentary exposes the frustrations of the participants who feel that too much emphasis is placed on superficial elements, such as female empowerment and modesty, rather than substantive issues. The filmmakers reveal the subtle, but significant, disparities between the boys and girls state programs.
The second half of the film delves into the mock supreme court case on Missouri’s abortion counseling law and the governor’s election. These moments carry a palpable sense of seriousness and determination among the participants. As viewers, we witness the transformation of their motivations and character through the challenges they face.
Girls State provides a contrasting perspective to Boys State, exploring the unique dynamics of womanhood in politics. The journey of these young women highlights the uphill battle they face in gaining credibility, exercising leadership, and asserting their convictions. The documentary offers a thought-provoking commentary on the pressing issues of our time.
In the wake of the documentary’s conclusion, the weight of the decisions made by the girls becomes even more apparent. Mere days after their session finished, the official decision to overturn Roe v Wade was announced. The film’s impact resonates beyond the realms of symbolism and politics, reminding us of the real-world ramifications of the issues at stake.
Moss and McBaine demonstrate their skill as filmmakers by capturing the essence of these young women’s experiences without overshadowing them. The documentary dives into the complexities of the mock government programs and provides a nuanced exploration of gender dynamics in politics. Girls State serves as a powerful representation of the challenges and triumphs of young women finding their voices in the political arena.
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