Lightworkers doc: Tom Morello on democracy and midterms
Director Bobby Roth's "Lightworkers" documentary features Tom Morello, Henry Winkler, Lee Grant and more on why they fight for democracy. Online screenings for the 8216lightworkers8217 doc tom morello project run Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 14 before the midterms, with up to 5,000 viewers per night.
Key Takeaways
- "Lightworkers," from director Bobby Roth, profiles celebrities, politicians and activists fighting for democracy and voting rights.
- Interview subjects include Tom Morello, Henry Winkler, Lee Grant, Wendie Malick, David Hogg, Jamie Raskin and Adam Kinzinger.
- Online screenings are set for Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 14, each open to as many as 5,000 viewers.
- Historical footage spans the Holocaust, the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and ICE raids, paired with personal stories of injustice.
- Bruce Springsteen and Ken Burns are among those endorsing the film ahead of the midterms.
What Is the Lightworkers Documentary About?
Roth's film asks what drives figures like Henry Winkler, Tom Morello and Wendie Malick—alongside politicians and activists—to keep working for change. It explores how actors, artists, musicians, politicians and nonprofit leaders draw on history, empathy and anger to stay engaged on issues such as voting rights.
The director of features like "Heartbreakers" and TV series such as "Prison Break" interviewed dozens of people about what makes them mad and what inspires them. Those conversations are intercut with archival images that, according to Variety, starkly portray the inhuman acts that spurred interviewees to action.
The project's framing—that comfort is a danger zone—fits a film built around urgency rather than complacency. For more streaming and TV news, visit our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
When Can Audiences Watch Lightworkers Online?
After offering viewings to activist organizations, Roth and author-podcaster Robert Hubble are making the documentary available for online screenings on three nights in the run-up to the midterm elections.
The dates are Tuesday, Sept. 29; Tuesday, Oct. 6; and Wednesday, Oct. 14. Each night can accommodate up to 5,000 viewers. Viewers seeking rental or group screenings can follow the official information referenced in Variety's coverage.
Who Appears in Lightworkers Besides Tom Morello?
Rage Against the Machine's Morello recalls fighting to write about apartheid for his high school newspaper. Actress and director Lee Grant recounts her 12 years on the Hollywood blacklist—examples of how experiencing injustice can push people to speak out against oppression and censorship.
The documentary also includes interviews with activist David Hogg, Congressman Jamie Raskin, former Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Freedom Rider Peggy Preacely. Endorsements come from names including Bruce Springsteen and Ken Burns.
Why Do These Stars Say Individual Action Still Matters?
Asked what individuals can do to fight the system, actor Peter Coyote answers, "Nothing is too small." Native American educator Betty Osceola adds, "One voice matters." Those lines underline the film's call to stay engaged even when obstacles feel massive.
Roth has also discussed the documentary on "Deadline White House," extending the conversation beyond the three planned online nights. As midterms approach, "Lightworkers" positions celebrity and activist testimony as a prompt to trade comfort for civic action.