Where Should We Occupy Now? (Film)

Where to Invade Next? (English: Where to Invade Next?) is a 2015 documentary film written, directed, and produced by Michael Moore. The film examines social and political systems in various countries, presenting their policies and practices as potential models for improving American society. Moore employs a humorous approach to “invade” these nations with the aim of borrowing their progressive ideas. The documentary addresses themes such as education, healthcare, workers’ rights, and the criminal justice system.

The film was produced by Dog Eat Dog Films, with Michael Moore serving as the primary creative force behind the project. Filming took place in several countries including Italy, France, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, and Tunisia. Where to Invade Next? had its world premiere on September 10, 2015, at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released in limited theatrical screenings in the United States on December 23, 2015, by Bluegrass Films and IMG Films. The film was later distributed through online platforms and home media formats.

Moore developed the film’s concept as a critique of American interventionist policies. The documentary humorously reverses America’s “invasion” narrative by focusing instead on the idea of “borrowing” social practices from other nations. Unlike Moore’s earlier films such as Bowling for Columbine (2002) and Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), which emphasized exposing systemic flaws, this film highlights solution-oriented practices abroad.

The film is structured around Moore’s visits to various countries, each representing a specific social policy:

• Italy: Workers’ rights, generous vacation policies, and paid parental leave.
• France: School nutrition programs and comprehensive sex education.
• Finland: An progressive education system focused on less homework and shorter school days.
• Slovenia: Free higher education for all citizens.
• Germany: Worker representation on corporate boards and Holocaust education.
• Portugal: Decriminalization of drug use and declining rates of addiction.
• Norway: Humanitarian prison systems focused on rehabilitation.
• Tunisia: Progress in women’s rights following the Arab Spring.
• Iceland: Gender equality in politics and institutional leadership.

Each segment is supported by interviews with local experts, policymakers, and citizens, illustrating how these systems function and their societal benefits.

^{Scene from Where to Invade Next?} IMDb)

Where to Invade Next? received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its presentation and thought-provoking comparisons. However, some critics noted that the film only highlights the positive aspects of foreign systems while overlooking their challenges. According to data compiled by Rotten Tomatoes, affiliated with Fandango Media, the film holds a 78% approval rating based on 188 reviews, reflecting an overall positive critical response.

The film has become a topic of discussion on social media platforms, particularly on X, where users debate the applicability of foreign policies in the United States. Academic institutions with .edu domains have used the film in sociology, political science, and global studies courses for comparative policy analysis.