Press Release
Press Release · Wednesday, January 24, 2001

Washington, DC . . . In March the National Archives and Records Administration presents film screenings with topics relating to Women's History, the environment, 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 unless otherwise noted. 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

Friday, March 9 - Women's History
*Dee Dee Bridgewater and Her Big Sisters, released in 1998. Famed vocalist and actress Dee Dee Bridgewater has repeatedly proved herself to be a skilled interpreter of the major female jazz singers who preceded her, such as Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, and Ella Fitzgerald. This documentary focuses on the female vocalists who have shaped jazz during the 20th century and explores their individual styles and contributions to a male-dominated art form. (55 minutes.) Noon. Room 105. Seating is limited. Please call (202) 501-5040 x296 for reservations.

Friday, March 16 -Environmental Film Festival
(Special program in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History)
In conjunction with the 2001 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital, NARA presents the following film program drawn from the motion picture holdings of the National Archives.
*Power and the Land, released in 1940. Produced by the United States Film Service, 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 has transcended this original purpose by providing us with a timeless portrait of American farm life, rich in pastoral beauty. The American poet Stephen Vincent Benet wrote the narration. (40 minutes.)
*Valley of the Tennessee, released in 1944. This documentary, part of a series of films called The American Scene, traces the origins and construction of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and its effects on the people of the valley. The film includes a sequence showing Franklin Roosevelt speaking on the importance of the TVA for water control and hydroelectric power. Produced by the Office of War Information, Overseas Branch. Directed by Alexander Hammid. (30 minutes.)
Free. 6:00 p.m. Carmichael Auditorium. 14th Street & Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, DC. For more information, call (202) 501-5040 x296.

Friday, March 23 - Films and Discussion
World War II
For the Boys (and Girls): The Army-Navy Screen Magazine.
During the Second World War, The Army-Navy Screen Magazine was a bi-weekly information and entertainment short subject designed for servicemen and screened in all military motion picture theaters. Produced by the Army Pictorial Service, Signal Corps under the supervision of Frank Capra, the films are now housed in the motion picture holdings of The National Archives. Film Curator Tom Nastick will discuss the history of the series and present several video excerpts. (60 minutes.) Noon. Room 105. Seating is limited. Call (202) 501-5040 for reservations.

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

Monday, March 12 *Dee Dee Bridgewater and Her Big Sisters (55 minutes.) Noon. Auditorium.

Monday, March 26 *For the Boys (and Girls): The Army-Navy Screen Magazine (60 minutes.) Noon. Auditorium.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail. To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call the Public Events Line at: 202-501-5000, or view the Calendar of Events on the web at: http://www.archives.gov/about_us/calendar_of_events/index.html.

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