‘Join or Die’ Documentary Comes to Royal Cinemas, Sparking Civic Conversation

A nationally acclaimed documentary exploring the decline of civic life in America will be featured in Front Royal for a special one-week engagement. Join or Die will run March 14–20 at Royal Cinemas, accompanied by a unique opportunity for viewers to engage in conversation with one of the film’s creators.

The film, which centers on political scientist Robert Putnam’s decades of research into America’s shrinking social fabric, examines how declining membership in civic groups, churches, clubs, and organizations has weakened communities and contributed to broader societal challenges. The screening event is hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of Front Royal and Edward Jones Financial Advisor Bret Hrbek.

A film about people, not politics

The film’s title, Join or Die, draws from Putnam’s famous findings that civic engagement—what he calls “social capital”—is essential for a healthy democracy. The movie has been praised for taking complex academic concepts and turning them into a powerful, accessible message about connection, community, and the future of civic life.

The documentary has been screened at the SXSW Film Festival and received critical praise for its ability to spark meaningful public discussion. Viewers don’t need a background in political science to understand its message—it’s a film for everyone who cares about their community.

Rick Novak, owner of Royal Cinemas, says the film isn’t about politics or any single organization. “It’s about people,” Novak said in a recent interview. “We’ve become disconnected from each other, and this film makes the case that rebuilding those community ties is crucial—not just for our towns and neighborhoods, but for democracy itself.”

Local connection brings the film to town

The idea to bring the film to Front Royal began last fall when Rotary District Governor Bret Hrbek learned about it and invited local leaders to view an early screening. After seeing its potential to inspire dialogue and reflection, plans were made to bring the film to Royal Cinemas.

While civic groups like Rotary are touched on briefly in the documentary, Novak emphasized that Join or Die is not about promoting any single club. “It’s a film for everyone,” he said. “Whether you’re in a bowling league, a church group, or just thinking about joining something—this film reminds us why those connections matter.”

The film also discusses how technology and modern lifestyles have changed the way people connect—or don’t connect. While digital tools can be helpful, Novak said they can’t replace real human interaction. “Social media might be efficient, but it’s not truly social,” he added.

Q&A with director to follow Friday screening

On Friday, March 14, attendees will have a chance to take the conversation further with a post-screening Q&A featuring the film’s director, Rebecca Davis. Davis will be on hand to share more about the film’s message and answer audience questions about the research and inspiration behind it.

Novak encourages anyone interested in community-building to attend, adding that the theater will accommodate reduced ticket pricing for those who need it. “If someone wants to see the film but can’t afford it, we’ll figure it out,” he said. “This isn’t about ticket sales. It’s about bringing an important conversation to our town.”

A call to educators and community groups

Novak also hopes local schools and civic groups will consider organizing special viewings. He says he’s already in discussions about scheduling additional showings for school groups and would even bring the film to classrooms if needed.

“This is something our middle and high school students need to see,” he said. “If we want them to be active, engaged citizens, we need to start the conversation now.”

He noted that declining membership isn’t just a national trend—it’s happening locally. Organizations across the area have seen falling participation in recent years, from church congregations and scout troops to civic clubs and sports leagues.

“This film helps explain why that matters,” Novak said. “And it challenges us to think about what we can do to reverse the trend.”

An opportunity to reconnect

Join or Die doesn’t offer simple answers. Instead, it highlights the importance of asking questions and staying engaged in community life. The film makes a clear case: if people don’t join and participate in their communities, the health of our civic life suffers. It’s a reminder that democracy doesn’t just live in Washington—it lives in local groups, neighborly conversations, and shared efforts to build something together.

Novak says the film fits with other community events the theater has hosted in recent months, such as last month’s Knocking Down Walls, a documentary about school integration history. “That event helped us reflect on our past,” he said. “This one helps us think about our future.”

As the community grapples with rapid change, Novak hopes Join or Die will bring people together to consider how personal connections—face-to-face, in real spaces—still matter.

“We need each other,” he said. “And that’s what this film is really about.”

Event details

Join or Die will screen March 14–20 at Royal Cinemas in Front Royal. A special Q&A with director Rebecca Davis will follow the 7 p.m. screening on Friday, March 14. Tickets are available at standard theater prices. Reduced-cost passes will be available at the door upon request.

To reserve a seat or learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3k9i2D6

For school or group bookings, contact Royal Cinemas directly.