Experience the groundbreaking feature film that unveils the Constitution's dramatic creation. Set in 1787 Philadelphia, a superb cast of actors bring the framers to life. Best-selling authors and leading historians masterfully reveal how George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin changed the world.
See "The American Constitution" at a national tour screening event ahead of its PBS premiere in 2026. Screening events include Q&A with the director & historians, contests, prizes and more!
"This film wasn't born out of today's headlines. It began more than 15 years ago with my own need to understand the Constitution on a deeper level. It was a story I was uniquely equipped to tell and a duty I felt compelled to make. This mission has now met a moment of national necessity. Now, every citizen needs a better understanding of the framework of our government." -David Garrigus, Filmmaker
UPCOMING SCREENING EVENTS
California Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
July 12, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
The Colleges of Law - Ventura Campus
4475 Market Street, Ventura, CA
July 12, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
The Colleges of Law - Ventura Campus
4475 Market Street, Ventura, CA
Community is welcome to attend
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
August 21, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Kenan Auditorium on the campus of
the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Michigan Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
September 11
Delta College - Main Campus
1961 Delta Rd, University Center, MI 48710
More information coming soon
September 11
Delta College - Main Campus
1961 Delta Rd, University Center, MI 48710
More information coming soon
Community is welcome to attend
Sanford, NC Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
October 23
Central Carolina Community College Civic Auditorium
1801 Nash St., Sanford, NC 27330
More information coming soon
October 23
Central Carolina Community College Civic Auditorium
1801 Nash St., Sanford, NC 27330
More information coming soon
Community is welcome to attend
Fort Myers, FL Premiere Event at the Alliance for the Arts Theatre on April 3, 2025. Photo by D. Garrigus.
"Entertaining, Informative!"
-Brian Smith of Wilmington, NC
-Brian Smith of Wilmington, NC
PREVIOUS SCREENING EVENTS
"I loved it!"
-James S. Todd of Charlottesville, VA
-James S. Todd of Charlottesville, VA
Tennessee Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
June 5th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
at the historic Palace Theatre
146 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
June 5th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
at the historic Palace Theatre
146 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
"Inspirational"
Roger Williams of Culpeper, VA
Roger Williams of Culpeper, VA
North Carolina Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
May 21st, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Boardman Auditorium
9115 Mary Alexander Rd, Charlotte, NC 28223
Followed by LIVE Q&A with the Film’s Director, and UNCC Professor & Author Eric Heberlig. Included a Constitutional Contest, Prizes and more!
May 21st, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Boardman Auditorium
9115 Mary Alexander Rd, Charlotte, NC 28223
Followed by LIVE Q&A with the Film’s Director, and UNCC Professor & Author Eric Heberlig. Included a Constitutional Contest, Prizes and more!
"I enjoyed it thorougly!"
-Jeann Boyle of Fort Myers, FL
-Jeann Boyle of Fort Myers, FL
"Thought-provoking history"
-Daniel Butler of Cape Coral, FL
-Daniel Butler of Cape Coral, FL
"Excellent to show in our schools!"
-Patrick Blose, Fort Wayne, IN
-Patrick Blose, Fort Wayne, IN
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.
"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
this incredible portrayal of the true birth of our nation!"
-Stephen Meeker of Wilmington, NC
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.
“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.”
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.
"Historically accurate"
-Col. (ret.) Gray Heppner of Crozet, VA
-Col. (ret.) Gray Heppner of Crozet, 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
—Michael Klarman, Harvard Law School Constitutional Historian
"Excellent presentation of how our system evolved"
Tom Vodde, Fort Wayne, IN
Tom Vodde, Fort Wayne, IN
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