Dr. BettyLou Koffel ‘74 Diversity Film Series Returns This Week

“Split Screen,” a documentary examining political disinformation and how it contributed to an attack on the U.S. Capitol, will be shown at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Monday, October 21, 2024

With the next presidential election just weeks away, the latest installment of the Dr. BettyLou Koffel ‘74 Diversity Film Series is not only characteristically compelling but also timely.

“Split Screen,” a documentary produced by TIME Studios for MSNBC, examines the history of mis- and disinformation in America and how it created opposing realities among Americans of differing political views. Those disparate views contributed to attempts to interfere with the certification of the 2020 presidential election by ransacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The repercussions of that day continue to play out in the waning days of the current race for the White House, making the film both an investigation of recent history and a potential warning.

Written and executive produced by comedian Trevor Noah (late of “The Daily Show”) and directed by Emmy-award winner Rebecca Gitlitz, “Split Screen” investigates how America got to its current turning point and how news and media coverage inform our reality and our political ideology. 

“Split Screen” will be shown at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, in the Hawkins Lunge of the Dahlstrom Student Center. Director Gitlitz will be on hand to discuss the film immediately following the screening.

The Dr. BettyLou Koffel ‘74 Diversity Film Series, launched in 2022 by Keuka College alumna Dr. BettyLou Koffel and her husband, Philip Moyer, provides programming aimed at promoting engagement around issues of diversity and equity on campus.