# Boys State (2020)

> Teenage delegates build a miniature Texas government, revealing how idealism, ambition, and partisan instincts shape democratic life.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/460527

## Facts

- Runtime: 110 min
- Genres: Documentary
- Director: Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss
- Cast: Ben Feinstein, Steven Garza, Robert MacDougall, René Otero, Eddy Proietti Conti
- TMDB rating: 7.1/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11095742/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: none
- Mood: witty, tense, absorbing, civics discussion, political documentary night

## Synopsis

A unique exploration of teenage politics unfolds in Texas as boys create their own government.

## Movies like Boys State

- [Fahrenheit 11/9 (2018)](https://ember.film/movie/370829)
- [Best of Enemies (2015)](https://ember.film/movie/199937)
- [American Teen (2008)](https://ember.film/movie/7642)
- [The Edge of Democracy (2019)](https://ember.film/movie/395478)
- [Apocalypse in the Tropics (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/7337650)
- [The Square (2013)](https://ember.film/movie/97299)
- [Requiem for the American Dream (2015)](https://ember.film/movie/212158)
- [The Wolfpack (2015)](https://ember.film/movie/190362)
- [Waiting for "Superman" (2010)](https://ember.film/movie/25021)
- [Jesus Camp (2006)](https://ember.film/movie/1175)

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