Press Release nr00-76
Press Release · Wednesday, June 26, 1935

Washington, DC

Washington, DC . . . In July and August, the National Archives and Records Administration presents film screenings relating to Vietnam, Native American history, the National Youth Administration and World War II.

The screenings will be held in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and in the auditorium at the National Archives at College Park, located at 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. All programs are free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the National Archives at College Park. The times and dates may be verified by calling the National Archives public events line at (201) 501-5000. The hearing impaired should call TDD (202) 501-5404 for information.

PLEASE NOTE: The theater at the downtown National Archives Building is equipped with a system that allows the hearing-impaired to use a set of headphones, or neck loop and a small receiver, to enhance the volume of the public address system. Visitors may request these devices in the projection booth.

Washington, DC Films

July

Thursday, July 6 & Friday, July 7-Vietnam War/Women's History
Regret to Inform, released in 1999. This award-winning documentary examines the Vietnam War from the viewpoint of women, both American and Vietnamese, whose husbands were killed in the conflict. The film combines archival footage, interviews, and breathtaking cinematography to present a unique perspective on this controversial period in history. Written and directed by Barbara Sonneborn. (72 minutes.) Theater. Thursday at 7 P.M. Friday at Noon.

Thursday, July 13 & Friday, July 14-Picturing the Century/Native American History
Coming to Light: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indians, released in 2000. In 1895 Curtis embarked on a 30-year endeavor to "make a photographic history of the North American Indian." The 20-volume set of books has become the most comprehensive photographic and ethnographic study of the Native American ever accomplished. This film not only examines Curtis the photographer, but also Curtis the man, whose completion of his life's work was accomplished at great personal sacrifice. Directed and produced by Anne Makepeace. (85 minutes.) Theater. Thursday at 7 P.M. Friday at noon.

Friday, July 21-Picturing the Century
High School, released in 1968. One of the seminal works of the cinema verite documentary film movement of the 1960s, Frederick Wiseman's film documents the workings of an urban, middle-class high school. The ideology and values of the school emerge through an examination of the encounters between teachers, students, parents, and administrators. (75 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

August

Friday, August 4-Archival Film: The National Youth Administration
On June 26, 1935, the National Youth Administration (NYA) was authorized as part of the Works Progress Administration, one of the principal vehicles of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal. Its purpose was to provide emergency relief and employment to persons between the ages of 16 and 25 who were no longer in school. Today, we present a selection of short subjects from the holdings of the National Archives produced by the NYA to promote its activities.

• Youth Visits the Nation's Capital, released in 1939. In this silent film, NYA Administrator Aubrey Williams welcomes three youths to Washington, DC. (16 minutes, silent.)
• They Also Build, released in 1940. This color film follows a typical day at an NYA girl's center in Cherryvale, KS. (21 minutes.)
• Youth Gets a Break, released in 1940. This film offers an overview of the NYA's work program. (30 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, August 11-Picturing the Century/World War II
The Memphis Belle, released in 1944. While serving with the Army Air Force Photographic Unit, Hollywood director William Wyler (Wuthering Heights, Mrs. Miniver) directed this color film documenting the final mission of the B-17 bomber Memphis Belle. Wyler himself flew five missions with the crew of the Memphis Belle and was wounded during the production. (45 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

College Park, MD Films
(For descriptions of College Park films, see prior listings)

Monday, July 10
Regret to Inform (72 minutes.) Noon. Auditorium.

Monday, July 24
High School (75 minutes.) Noon. Auditorium.

Monday, August 7
Archival Film: The National Youth Administration (67 minutes.) Noon. Auditorium.

Monday, August 14
The Memphis Belle (45 minutes.) Noon. Auditorium.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

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