Please Vote for Me is a documentary film following the elections for class monitor in a 3rd grade class of eight year old children in the Evergreen Primary School in Wuhan, China.
The film was one of ten selected as part of the Why Democracy? project, which saw interpretations of democracy by 10 filmmakers from around the world broadcast on 42 television networks in October, 2007, to audiences of more than 300 million people in nearly every country in the world.
The SABC was the South African broadcast partner for the original screening. A number of South Africans were involved in producing the film.
The documentary originally aired in South Africa on SABC2 on Sunday 28 October 2007, at 21h00.
Please Vote for Me aired on DStv's BBC World channel on Saturday 22 March 2008, at 10h10. It formed part of BBC World's "Inside China" season theme.
Repeats
Saturday 22 March: 16h10, 22h10
Sunday 23 March: 02h10, 10h10, 22h10
Synopsis
An experiment in democracy is taking place in Wuhan, the most populous city in central China. For the first time ever, the students in grade three at Evergreen Primary School in Wuhan, China have been asked to elect a class monitor.
Traditionally appointed by the teacher, the class monitor holds a powerful position, helping to control the students, keeping them on task and doling out punishment to those who disobey.
The teacher has chosen three candidates: Luo Lei (a boy), the current class monitor; Cheng Cheng (a boy); and Xu Xiaofei (a girl). Each candidate is asked to choose two assistants to help with his or her campaign.
To prove their worthiness, the candidates must perform in three events. First is a talent show, where each candidate plays an instrument or sings a song.
Second is a debate, in which the candidates bring up the shortcomings of their opponents as well as their own personal qualifications.
And finally, each candidate must deliver a speech, an opportunity to appeal directly to classmates and ask for their votes.
At home, each of the children is coached by his or her parents and pushed to practice and memorize for each stage of the campaign.
Although their parents are supportive, the candidates feel the pressure. Tears and the occasional angry outburst reveal the emotional impact.
At school, the candidates talk to classmates one-on-one, making promises, planning tactics (including negative ones) and at times expressing doubts about their own candidacies.
For all three children, the campaign takes its toll, especially for the losing candidates and their assistants. Viewers are left to decide if the experiment in democracy has been “successful” and what it might mean for democracy education in China.
Please Vote For Me challenges those committed to China’s democratization to consider the feasibility of, and processes involved in, its implementation.
Trailer