“War Game” - Six Hours to Save Democracy

Opening Friday August 2nd at Film Forum, NYC

Dear Readers,

Like many of you, I was appalled by January 6th. Donald Trump’s failed insurrection brought our democracy to the brink of destruction and left a dark mark on American history. While the insurrection ultimately failed due to Donald Trump’s incompetence and the brave work of the Capitol Hill Police, many of us were left wondering: what if things had gone differently? What if the insurrectionists had support from the military? What if indecision and paralysis within our government delayed our response?

“War Game” offers a glimpse into this reality. This documentary explores how our government would likely respond during the first six hours of a hypothetical insurrection following the 2025 presidential election. In this simulation, the American government is represented by a cohort of policy experts and civil servants drawn from five presidential administrations. Throughout the simulation, these individuals emulate the decision-making process of the military, federal agencies, and the cabinet positions of the executive branch. The insurrectionist leadership is portrayed by a group of veterans and cyber security experts known as “Red Cell”. With their extensive experience and knowledge of how our institutions work, Red Cell seeks to exploit the weaknesses of our government and direct the opening stages of an asymmetric warfare campaign in the United States.

Needless to say, you don’t want to miss this. As a member of the film’s simulation team I can attest to the detail and realism of this documentary. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in person - I’ll be at the NYC screening on August 2nd and would love to hear your thoughts during the Q and A.