The American Constitution: A Documentary Film for 2020 that is a Timely Call for a More Clear Understanding of Who Americans Are
With Constitution Day celebrations planned for September 17th, filmmaker David Garrigus is working toward the completion of a movie about the creation of the Constitution--a new documentary called The American Constitution.
WILMINGTON, N.C., Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- With Constitution Day celebrations planned for September 17th, filmmaker David Garrigus is on the downhill slope toward the completion of a movie about the creation of the Constitution—a new documentary called The American Constitution.
"America is again on a precipice, one which would have us return to a serious look into who we are as a nation," said David Garrigus, the award-winning filmmaker behind the critically-acclaimed Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brother's Journey of Invention. "There is no better guide to American political values than our Constitution. Yet few citizens understand the document, nor just how contentious the making of our government actually was. This film will provide a never-before broached look into the struggle and the people that made America a more perfect Union."
Garrigus will be highlighting the film's making during Constitution Day, an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on September 17 as that was the day in 1787 that it was signed by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
"Less than a third of Americans can name the three branches of government, according to the Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey; this should be considered a national security issue," Garrigus said. "Civics illiteracy is an existential threat to our nation and was one of the Founders' greatest fears when they designed the U.S. system of government."
By dramatically portraying the story of the Constitution's framing, this film aims to:
1. increase understanding of our constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they are founded;
2. provide a basic understanding of the framework of our government—fundamental knowledge necessary to participate as competent and responsible citizens; and
3. embolden citizens to engage in the democratic process for the betterment of society. Ultimately, the film strives to develop an enlightened citizenry by working to increase understanding of the principles, values, institutions, and history of our Constitution.
The film, more than 50% complete, features veteran actors portraying the Founders, supported by commentary from the world's leading scholars and historians.
"We have already filmed the scholars and approximately half of the 51 acting roles in the film. We are now preparing to cast the remaining roles and are aiming to recruit one or two recognizable/established actors whose popularity would dramatically increase the cultural reach of this movie and bring its message about the Constitution to a far larger mass market." This fall, Garrigus looks to cast acclaimed actors to play James Madison, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton, to name a few. Production and fundraising continues as planning for an early 2020 campaign goes into full gear, the proceeds of which will facilitate film distribution next summer.
About Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brother's Journey of Invention
This documentary, which featured Neil Armstrong and John Glenn as the voices of Orville and Wilbur Wright, premiered on PBS and internationally in 2003, during the 100th anniversary of flight. Kitty Hawk has now reached nearly 10 million viewers, and won Best Documentary at the International Family Film Festival.
About The American Constitution
The American Constitution historical documentary and education initiative is an independent entertainment property designed as a powerful part of the solution to the public's lack of fundamental understanding of U.S. Civics. Set to premier in 2020, the film is currently in production by David Garrigus Productions, winner of Telly Awards, Cindy Awards, and New York Festival's Gold Medal. For more information visit https://constitutionmovie.com/.
SOURCE David Garrigus Productions

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