Citizen Koch (2013)
A searing documentary exposing how unlimited political money — and the forces behind it — transformed Wisconsin into the front line of America's democracy debate.
Citizen Koch - Movie Information
- Original Title: Citizen Koch
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Carl Deal, Tia Lessin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 20, 2013 (United States)
Citizen Koch - Plot
Wisconsin—birthplace of the Republican Party, government unions, cheeseheads and Paul Ryan—becomes a test market in the campaign to buy Democracy, and ground zero in the battle for the future of the GOP.
Citizen Koch - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the forces at the heart of this political documentary:
A hundred billion ways to stick it to you.
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Citizen Koch - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Carl Deal
- Tia Lessin
Main Cast
- David H. Koch
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Anthony M. Kennedy
- John McCain
- Antonin Scalia
- John Paul Stevens
- Clarence Thomas
- John Roberts
- Samuel Alito
Citizen Koch - FAQs
What is Citizen Koch about?
Citizen Koch examines the influence of billionaire political donors — most notably the Koch brothers — on American democracy following the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling. Using Wisconsin as a focal point, the film traces how unlimited dark money reshaped state politics, union rights, and the Republican Party itself.
Why was Citizen Koch controversial or censored?
Citizen Koch gained notoriety when ITVS, a public television funder, reportedly withdrew support after Koch-affiliated board members raised concerns. The incident became a story in itself, illustrating the documentary's central thesis about the chilling effect of concentrated wealth on free expression and public media.
Where can you stream Citizen Koch?
Citizen Koch is available on multiple platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, Plex, Kanopy, and Fandango at Home Free with ads. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango at Home.
Who directed Citizen Koch?
Citizen Koch was co-directed by Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, the documentary filmmaking duo previously known for Trouble the Water (2008), their Oscar-nominated film about Hurricane Katrina. Both directors are known for politically engaged, socially conscious documentary work.
Who appears in Citizen Koch?
The film features David H. Koch as himself, alongside archive footage of Supreme Court justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony M. Kennedy, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, and Samuel Alito, as well as senators John McCain and John Paul Stevens, all central to the Citizens United debate.
Is Citizen Koch based on real events?
Yes, Citizen Koch is entirely rooted in real events. It documents the aftermath of the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court ruling, the Wisconsin labor protests and recall elections of 2011–2012, and the documented political spending of billionaire donors including David and Charles Koch.
When was Citizen Koch released?
Citizen Koch had its initial release on January 20, 2013, in the United States. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before receiving a wider theatrical and VOD release later that year, drawing significant attention amid ongoing debates about campaign finance reform.
How long is Citizen Koch?
Citizen Koch has a runtime of 85 minutes, making it a focused and efficiently paced documentary. The film covers complex political and legal terrain — from the Citizens United ruling to Wisconsin's recall elections — without overstaying its welcome.
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