inside access and sneak peeks
Experience this groundbreaking documentary feature film unveiling the dramatic origin story of the Constitution. Leading authors masterfully recount the Constitution's epic creation. A superb cast portrays the Framers in Philadelphia over the summer of 1787. See it at one of our upcoming screening events before its PBS broadcast in 2026!
Each screening on the film's national roadshow tour is followed by audience discussion with the director and a constitutional audience contest with prizes! Additional screenings will be added to the tour so check back often to find a theater near you.
"I wish every young person in this country could see
this incredible portrayal of the true birth of our nation!"
-Stephen Meeker of Wilmington, NC
UPCOMING SCREENING EVENTS
Tennessee Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
June 5th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
at the historic Palace Theatre
146 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
(615) 452-5692
California Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
July 12
The Colleges of Law - Ventura Campus
4475 Market Street, Ventura, CA
More information coming soon
Wilmington, NC Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
August 21, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Kenan Auditorium on the campus of
the University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Fort Myers, FL Premiere Event at the Alliance for the Arts Theatre on April 3, 2025. Photo by D. Garrigus.

PREVIOUS SCREENING EVENTS
North Carolina Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
May 21st, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
STORRS Building, Room 110 (David R. Ravin School of Architecture)
9115 Mary Alexander Rd, Charlotte, NC 28223
Visitor parking available nearby in East Deck 1
9110 Mary Alexander Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Followed by LIVE Q&A with the Film’s Director, maker of the award-winning PBS documentary "Kitty Hawk" and UNCC Professor & Author Eric Heberlig. Included a Constitutional Contest, Prizes and more! 
World Premiere Success! Feature-Film Documentary Elevates Civic Literacy in Southwest Florida
"THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION" began its Nationwide Theatrical Tour on April 3rd at the Alliance for the Arts Theatre in Fort Myers, Florida.
Following both screenings, award-winning filmmaker, DAVID GARRIGUS, was joined on stage by JAMES MADISON, the Father of the Constitution and 4th U.S. President, uncannily portrayed by nationally-recognized first-person interpreter and Madison expert, LOUIS MAGILL. Garrigus and James Madison conversed with the audiences about the film and the historical Constitution. Proceeds benefited The Preamble Foundation. Special thanks to premier sponsor Crews Environmental.
"I enjoyed it thorougly!"
-Jeann Boyle of Fort Myers, FL

JAMES MADISON, Father of the Constitution and 4th President, portrayed by nationally-recognized first-person interpreter Louis Magill who appeared in-person at this event. Photo by D Garrigus.

"Thought-provoking history"
-Daniel Butler of Cape Coral, FL

On April 10th, we started the important work of molding "THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION" into a powerful classroom tool for students and teachers. The event was led by Benjamin Boyce, who is the Director, Civics Outreach and Strategic Partnerships at University of Florida's new Hamilton Center. The teachers seemed to really appreciate this groundbreaking film and shared insights that will ultimately lead to an exciting classroom tool.
"Excellent to show in our schools!"
-Patrick Blose, Fort Wayne, IN
"Entertaining, Informative!"
-Brian Smith of Wilmington, NC
"The American Constitution" unveils the dramatic origin story of the Constitution that played out over the summer of 1787. Set in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, a large international cast brings the intrigue, drama and conflicts of the Framers, including George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin, to life as they struggled to hold their fragile country together. Many of the Constitution’s leading historians and best-selling authors infuse the film’s narrative with expert commentary throughout.
"I loved it!"
-James S. Todd of Charlottesville, VA
The project is filmmaker David Garrigus’ second major historical documentary after his award-winning PBS two-hour Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brothers’ Journey of Invention featuring Neil Armstrong and John Glenn. Six years in the making, Kitty Hawk is widely recognized as the best documentary to tell the story of how the airplane was invented.
"It's hard to understand American society and politics without understanding the Constitution."
—Michael Klarman, Harvard Law School Constitutional Historian​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
"Excellent presentation of how our system evolved"
Tom Vodde, Fort Wayne, IN
"Inspirational"
Roger Williams of Culpeper, VA
"Historically accurate"
-Col. (ret.) Gray Heppner of Crozet, VA
“Dramatizing the origin story in an entertaining film provides a timely and powerful means for enhancing the public’s fundamental understanding of the Constitution,” Garrigus asserted. “Civic 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.”
In 1822, James Madison wrote, “A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.”
A 2025 survey of adults conducted by the Center for Applied Research in Education, USC, revealed only one issue with nearly total cross-partisan agreement. 93% of Democrats and 95% of Republicans, agree that all students should participate in learning activities about the U.S. Constitution.
Garrigus added, “There are many deeply partisan divisions over interpreting the Constitution, but the facts of what happened in Philadelphia in 1787 are essentially, undisputed and provide us with a shared history that every American should know and cherish.”
Here's how you can help make this film:  
 
• Contribute with a debit or credit card through PayPal. Get VIP thank you gifts!

• Watch sneak peeks and give us your feedback to help us make the film better. Be in the end credits and more!

• Spread the word. Every click—every like, follow, and share is crucial for success. 
Thank you for your help!
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