Event Detail

Back to Events
2019 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital
  • Date: Thursday, March 21, 2019 - Friday, March 22, 2019
  • Time: 11:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

The Plow that Broke the Plains
This classic film about the Dust Bowl has been one of the most widely praised and studied documentaries to be produced in America. Its masterful use of music and edited images were to influence a generation of filmmakers. (1936, 29 minutes) Directed and written by Pare Lorentz.  Music: Virgil Thomson.  Narrator: Thomas Chalmers.  Producer: Resettlement Administration.

The River
The River is Pare Lorentz’ monumental documentary about the exploitation and misuse of one of our greatest natural resources — the Mississippi River.  (1937, 32 minutes)  Directed and written by Pare Lorentz.  Music: Virgil Thomson.  Narrator: Thomas Chalmers.  Producer: Farm Security Administration.

Power and the Land
Power and the Land was intended to encourage farmers to form their own electrical cooperatives with the help of the Rural Electrification Administration. However, famed Dutch filmmaker Joris Ivens transcended this original purpose by also presenting a timeless portrait of American farm life, rich in pastoral beauty.  (1940, 39 minutes)  Directed by Joris Ivens.  Producer: Rural Electrification Administration for the United States Film Service

All public programs at the National Archives are free. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. Click here for more information on getting to the National Archives and parking.

Live captioning will be available online and in the William G. McGowan Theater. If you require an alternative or additional accommodation for an event (such as a downloadable transcript or a sign language interpreter), please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202.357.5000 in advance.

Members at the National Archives Foundation often receive advance notice of public programs, invitations to special events, and a 10% discount at the National Archives Store. Learn more and join today!