A series of weekly library watch parties spotlighting Ken Burns’ new documentary, “The American Revolution,” starts today (Wednesday).
The six-part PBS series focuses on the Revolutionary War and the “ideals and complexities of America’s founding.” The Alexandria Library plans to host episode watch parties on consecutive Wednesdays through March 11.
The 19th annual Alexandria Film Festival kicks off this weekend with over 60 film screenings in store, from immersive documentaries to experimental films.
Three days of screenings start tomorrow (Friday) and run until Sunday, Nov. 9. Tickets cost $16.79 at each venue, while an all-festival pass costs $85. Federal workers affected by the government shutdown may also receive complimentary tickets at the box office with a valid government ID, while supplies last.
Emmy and Grammy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns unveiled his latest documentary series, “The American Revolution,” at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate on Wednesday.
The filmmaker spoke in a panel discussion before sharing an outdoor preview of the new six-part series, which features George Washington and his pivotal role in winning the Revolutionary War. Episodes will air on PBS at 8 p.m. nightly from November 16 to 21.
A year after being distinguished as one of 15 Girls Leading Change by First Lady Jill Biden, Alexandria’s Zahra Rahimi just returned to the White House.
The 18-year-old Rahimi says that being named to the group motivates her, and that she briefly spoke with the First Lady after the announcement of this year’s cohort.
A documentary tracking the history of racism in Alexandria will make its debut at a screening tomorrow.
The film is Resolved: Never Again by documentary filmmaker Robin Hamilton. The 50-minute film explores “Alexandria’s history, from its role in the domestic slave trade to the lynchings of Joseph McCoy and Benjamin Thomas, and the city’s ongoing efforts to confront this past.”
New Compost Station Opens — “On Sunday, July 17, the Old Town North Sunday Farmers Market officially opened its Compost Cab compost station. The new compost station will be a permanent fixture at this year-round market, every Sunday from 10am-2pm.” [Zebra]
City Ranks as One of the Top U.S. Cities — “Readers of Travel + Leisure appear to have a favorable opinion of Alexandria, because the city made the top 10 of the magazine’s 15 Best Cities in the United States list… Alexandria was ranked eighth among big cities like New York City, New Orleans and Chicago on the national list.” [Patch]
Golf could return to former Topgolf Alexandria property — “The shuttered Topgolf Alexandria and neighboring former Ruby Tuesday restaurant on South Van Dorn Street may be resurrected as a golf-centric venue by the underlying landowner, whose efforts to rezone the properties for residential use have been slow to advance.” [Washington Buisness Journal]
Alexandria Film Festival 2021 extended into December — “The festival, held in a virtual format, is giving viewers more time to view films through Dec. 10.” [Patch]
Police barricade situation unresolved — “The barricade situation is still unresolved. No other updates at this time.” [Twitter]
Alexandria Film Festival movies available for streaming — “The 15th Alexandria Film Festival draws to a close on Thanksgiving Day, but if you haven’t been able to join it in person yet, fear not–you still have time to unlock and enjoy all 40+films.” [Zebra]
Alexandria Symphony to provide live soundtrack for six short films — ” The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and the Alexandria Film Festival (AFF) are teaming to bring a special, immersive experience to audiences. On Saturday, Nov. 6, ASO will perform at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center as six original films play onscreen.” [Zebra]
Local documentary explores ‘The Pits’ before it was Kingstowne — “For me, the gravel pits behind Hayfield Secondary School was the local fishing hole – at age 10, in 1972, I’d grab something out of my mom’s refrigerator to use as bait, and head on up there on foot or on bicycle and fish for hours. Usually, I’d catch a bunch of bluegill fish, maybe hook a snapping turtle or two, and head home. If I was lucky, I had some change in my pocket or find a few returnable bottles, and I’d stop at 7-11 for a Slurpee.” [Zebra]
Beyer to Introduce Legislation for Law Enforcement to Wear Identifying Badges — “We don’t do secret police in the United States of America. I will introduce House legislation in the next few days to require uniformed federal officers to identify themselves by wearing badges. Next step will be working for broad support in the House. More soon.” [Twitter]
Tenants and Workers United Gives Food and Supplies to 400 Families — “Today we gave food, needs, and diapers to almost 400 families!! This was possible by Arlington Calvary United Methodist Church. Our community greatly appreciates this support during these difficult times!” [Facebook]
A planned screening of a film covering the history of the Torpedo Factory is being turned into an online viewing party tonight.
“A Brush with History” is a film by local director Nora Kubach about the Torpedo Factory’s 100-year history.
