American Insurrection (2021)
A hard-hitting FRONTLINE and ProPublica documentary tracing the radicalization of far-right groups from Charlottesville to the Capitol assault.
American Insurrection - Movie Information
- Original Title: American Insurrection
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Rick Rowley
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: FRONTLINE, Midnight Films, ProPublica
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Amerika in Aufruhr. Von Charlottesville zum Sturm aufs Kapitol (DE)
American Insurrection - Plot
Over the last three years, FRONTLINE has collaborated with ProPublica to investigate the rise of extremism in America. In the aftermath of the assault on the U.S. Capitol, FRONTLINE and ProPublica team up again to examine how far-right groups were emboldened and encouraged by former President Trump and how individuals were radicalized and brought into the political landscape.
American Insurrection - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the investigation unfold:
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American Insurrection - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rick Rowley
Main Cast
- A.C. Thompson
Writers
- Rick Rowley
Producers
- Frank Koughan
- A.C. Thompson
- Jacqueline Soohen
- Karim Hajj
American Insurrection - FAQs
What is American Insurrection about?
American Insurrection is a documentary from FRONTLINE and ProPublica that traces the rise of far-right extremism in the United States. It examines how groups were radicalized and emboldened in the years leading up to the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol, connecting events from Charlottesville onward.
Who directed American Insurrection?
American Insurrection was directed by Rick Rowley, an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for his investigative work. Rowley also served as one of the film's cinematographers and its writer, bringing a deeply immersive, on-the-ground perspective to the subject matter.
How does American Insurrection connect Charlottesville to January 6th?
The film draws a direct line from the 2017 Charlottesville rally to the January 6th Capitol assault, documenting how far-right networks grew bolder over those years. It shows how political rhetoric and online radicalization gradually moved extremist groups from the fringes into mainstream political action.
Who are the main people featured in this documentary?
Investigative journalist A.C. Thompson serves as the on-screen correspondent, guiding viewers through the investigation. Thompson has spent years tracking far-right extremist networks for FRONTLINE and ProPublica, and his firsthand reporting gives the documentary a grounded, credible voice throughout.
Where can you stream American Insurrection?
You can watch American Insurrection on the PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel and on Kanopy for free. It's also available to buy or rent on Amazon Video. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming options in your region.
Is American Insurrection based on real events?
Absolutely. American Insurrection is entirely grounded in real events, drawing on years of investigative journalism by FRONTLINE and ProPublica. The documentary covers actual incidents, real individuals, and documented extremist activity, culminating in the January 6th, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol.
How long is American Insurrection?
American Insurrection runs for 84 minutes, or about an hour and 24 minutes. It's a focused, single-sitting documentary that moves at a brisk pace, weaving together investigative reporting, archival footage, and firsthand accounts without overstaying its welcome.
What are some documentaries similar to American Insurrection?
If American Insurrection resonated with you, you might also enjoy This Place Rules (2022), another documentary examining political extremism in America. Money Heist: The Phenomenon (2020) and Bank Robbers: The Last Great Heist (2022) offer compelling real-world storytelling in a similar investigative spirit.
More About American Insurrection
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