Press Release nr99-107
Press Release · Wednesday, August 18, 1999

Washington, DC

Washington, DC . . . In October, the National Archives and Records Administration presents film screenings relating to Hispanic Heritage Month and a new documentary by Rory Kennedy, American Hollow (1999).

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 the National Archives at College Park, which is 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 Events

Friday, October 8 -- Archival Film: Hispanic Heritage
The National Archives presents two documentaries from the National Archives motion picture holdings produced by the United States Information Agency.

The School at Rincon Santo, released in 1963. Designed to promote the Kennedy Administration's "Alliance for Progress" aid program in Latin America, this poignant short film tells the story of building the first and only schoolhouse in the Colombian village of Rincon Santo. Directed by James Blue. (11 minutes.)

And Now, Miguel, released in 1953. This classic documentary depicts a Hispanic family living in the American Southwest who inherited the traditions of sheep-raising from their Spanish ancestors. Directed by Joseph Krumgold. (53 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Thursday, October 14 and Friday, October 15 -- New Documentary
American Hollow, released in 1999. For a year, documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy lived with the Bowlings, an Appalachian family residing in one of the most impoverished areas of the United States. The resulting film shows how deeply the film maker was trusted by her subjects, as a cascade of intimate, revealing stories and images emerge from them. Although they live off the land by gardening as well as gathering ginseng, moss, and blood root, they also rely heavily on government assistance. Despite economic hardship, the Bowlings display family pride and loyalty and a love for the land. (90 minutes.) 7 P.M. Theater.

Friday, October 22 – Hispanic Heritage Month
Chicano Park, released in 1989. This multiple award-winning documentary on contemporary Latino history explodes with music, colorful murals, and other expressions of Hispanic pride and heritage. The film uses archival film footage and photographs to present the history of the Barrio Logan neighborhood in San Diego, from its founding around 1900 to the late 1980s. Produced by Marilyn Mulford and Mario Berrera. (60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, October 29 -- Archival Film: World War II
Resisting Enemy Interrogation, released in 1944. This unusual training film designed for Army Air Corps pilots tells the fictional story of a group of captured American flyers who try to outwit Nazi SS interrogators. Filmed at the Hal Roach studios, this ambitious and polished film was nominated for the 1944 Best Documentary Academy Award. Stars Arthur Kennedy, Lloyd Nolan, and Kent Smith. Preceded by the "Private Snafu" cartoon, Spies (released in 1944). (70 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

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

Wednesday, October 6
The School at Rincon Santo (11 minutes.) And Now, Miguel (53 minutes.) Noon.

Wednesday, October 13
American Hollow (90 minutes.) Noon.

Wednesday, October 20
Chicano Park (60 minutes.) Noon.

Wednesday, October 27
Resisting Enemy Interrogation (70 minutes.) Noon.

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

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