City Hall

Frederick Wiseman observes democracy in action through the inner workings of the Boston City Council in his hometown.

Filmed over a year in his hometown of Boston, City Hall follows Mayor Marty Walsh – and his colleagues – working partway through his second term. Tasks in City Hall range from dealing with parking infringements and and stray dogs to law enforcement and policymaking.

The scope and remit of the Boston City Council is far-reaching, and City Hall is a reaffirming study in the purpose and power of political office to make the world a better place.

Curator's note
At a time when Donald Trump was in the White House serving his first term as president, Frederick Wiseman looked in a different direction, turning his attention to good government at the local level. The result was one of the most praised films of the year.

City Hall premiered at the 77th annual Venice International Film Festival, where it competed for the Fair Play Cinema Award and received a special mention. At the year's end, the film was named in Cahiers du Cinéma's Top 10.