ARTE has published a documentary video titled “High School Radical: retour chez mes potes trumpistes” [1].
The film examines the social and political dynamics within circles of Trump supporters. By returning to former acquaintances, the production attempts to bridge the ideological divide and document the current state of political polarization in the U.S.
As part of the "Le Dock" series, the project focuses on the personal narratives of individuals associated with the movement. The documentary uses a first-person perspective to explore how high school relationships intersect with adult political identities.
Because the project involves high school students and youth, the production navigates the complexities of documenting minors in a politically charged environment. The film serves as a case study in how shared personal histories can coexist with divergent political beliefs.
ARTE has made the content available via its digital platforms and YouTube, allowing a broader audience to view the interactions between the filmmaker and the subjects. The work emphasizes the human element of political affiliation over traditional debate formats.
“High School Radical: retour chez mes potes trumpistes”
The release of this documentary highlights a growing trend in international media to analyze US political polarization through a sociological lens. By focusing on the 'Le Dock' format—which typically emphasizes immersive, personal storytelling—the film shifts the focus from policy disagreements to the interpersonal strain caused by political divergence.
