9 months in Democracy Documentary

Aim

The investigation is done. Now help us tell the Story!

After five months of planning and nine months of independent investigation, the team behind 9 Months in Democracy is launching a crowdfunding campaign to complete post-production and ensure the documentary reaches the widest possible audience.

9 Months in Democracy is a 90 minute investigative documentary examining the relationship between local Bolton and GM elections, political influence, hidden business interests, and public accountability. Through extensive research, interviews, and documentary evidence, the film asks important questions about transparency in public life and how local power is exercised.

The investigation has already been completed. What comes next is turning months of reporting into a compelling, professionally produced documentary capable of reaching thousands of viewers.

Why We Need Support

Independent investigations are rarely backed by major broadcasters or large media organisations. To maintain editorial independence, 9 Months in Democracy has been developed outside traditional funding structures.

Crowdfunding will help cover:

Professional editing and post-production

Graphics, visualisation, and archive material

Legal review and fact-checking

Music licensing and audio mastering

Marketing and promotional campaigns

Public screenings and community events

Digital distribution and audience outreach

Every contribution will help ensure the documentary is completed to the highest possible standard and made accessible to the public.

What the Documentary Explores

The film investigates:

Hidden business interests 

Political influence and lobbying

Commercial relationships connected to public decision-making

Transparency and accountability in local democracy

The public's right to know how decisions are made

Presenter and investigator Pete Hopkinson says the project was driven by a simple principle:

"If it's done in the public's name, it should be done in the open. People deserve to understand how decisions affecting their communities are made."

A Community-Funded Investigation

The crowdfunding campaign is not simply about financing a film. It is about supporting independent journalism and public-interest reporting at a local level.

By contributing, supporters will help:

Protect editorial independence

Amplify local voices

Encourage transparency and accountability

Create a permanent public record of the investigation

Ensure important stories reach audiences beyond traditional media channels

Production Schedule

Investigation Completed

Five months of planning

Nine months of independent reporting and research

Current Phase

Editing, post-production, verification, and final programme assembly

Planned Release

Public preview screening

Documentary premiere and community discussions

Online release and promotional campaign

How to Help

Supporters can contribute financially, share the campaign with friends and colleagues, and help raise awareness of the project through social media and community networks.

Every donation, regardless of size, helps move the documentary closer to completion and ensures that independent investigative journalism continues to have a place in local democracy.

About 9 Months in Democracy

9 Months in Democracy is an independent documentary from Bolton Live Investigates co produced by Bolton Live Media and Starshine MCA exploring power, influence, accountability, and transparency within local democratic systems.

Because democracy only works when the public can see it working.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 2nd October 2026 at 6:17pm