Fort Myers, FL Premiere Event at the Alliance for the Arts Theatre on April 3, 2025. Photo by D. Garrigus.
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.
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.
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.
UPCOMING SCREENING EVENTS
North Carolina Premiere
May 21st, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Rowe Building, Room 161, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223, More info coming soon.
Tennessee Premiere
June 5th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
at the historic Palace Theatre
146 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
(615) 452-5692
at the historic Palace Theatre
146 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
(615) 452-5692
Wilmington, NC Premiere
August 21, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Kenan Auditorium on the campus of
the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Kenan Auditorium on the campus of
the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
"Entertaining, Informative!"
-Brian Smith of Wilmington, NC
-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.
INQUIRE HERE about adding your own community to "THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION" Nationwide Roadshow Tour!
"I loved it!"
-James S. Todd of Charlottesville, VA
-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
—Michael Klarman, Harvard Law School Constitutional Historian
"Inspirational"
Roger Williams of Culpeper, VA
Roger Williams of Culpeper, VA
"Historically accurate"
-Col. (ret.) Gray Heppner of Crozet, VA
-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.”
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