See "The American Constitution" at a national tour screening event ahead of its PBS premiere in 2026, which include Q&A with the director & historians and more! 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.
"Creative, engaging, and timely"
Dean Andrea Funk, The Colleges of Law Hybrid JD Program, - Ventura
Dean Andrea Funk, The Colleges of Law Hybrid JD Program, - Ventura
Find a screening near you on the "THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION" Nationwide Roadshow Tour!
"It was brilliant, I learned so much"
Toni Rauschkolb, Wilmington, NC
Toni Rauschkolb, Wilmington, NC
Wilmington Mayor Saffo inspires sold out crowd at Wilmington premiere of THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION film.
Wilmington, NC Premiere
August 21st
SOLD OUT1,000-seat Kenan Auditorium
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
County Commissioner Rob Zapple, Mayor Bill Saffo,
Author David Houpt, & Preamble Foundation Director Bill Knowles
Q&A with Commissioner Zapple, Dr. Houpt, & Director
Presented by NHC America 250 NC & UNCW
"Thank you for making this foundational document come to life and accessible to audiences of all ages."
-Commissioner Rob Zapple, New Hanover County, NC
SOLD OUT1,000-seat Kenan Auditorium
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
County Commissioner Rob Zapple, Mayor Bill Saffo,
Author David Houpt, & Preamble Foundation Director Bill Knowles
Q&A with Commissioner Zapple, Dr. Houpt, & Director
Presented by NHC America 250 NC & UNCW
"Thank you for making this foundational document come to life and accessible to audiences of all ages."
-Commissioner Rob Zapple, New Hanover County, NC
Michigan Premiere
September 11
Delta College - Main Campus Theater
1961 Delta Rd, University Center, MI 48710
LIVE Q&A with Professor Ryan Petersen, Dr. Lisa Lawrason, & Director
Free Popcorn, Free Constitutions, ASL, & Closed Captioned!
Attendence: 100
Delta College - Main Campus Theater
1961 Delta Rd, University Center, MI 48710
LIVE Q&A with Professor Ryan Petersen, Dr. Lisa Lawrason, & Director
Free Popcorn, Free Constitutions, ASL, & Closed Captioned!
Attendence: 100
High School Premiere
September 12
Howell High School Auditorium
1200 W. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48843
LIVE Q&A with Judge Bain, Howell Mayor Elect, & Director
Audience: 500
"Thank you again for allowing us to share your wonderful film! It was truly inspiring."
-Aaron Grenier, Social Studies Teacher, James Madison Fellow
Howell High School Auditorium
1200 W. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48843
LIVE Q&A with Judge Bain, Howell Mayor Elect, & Director
Audience: 500
"Thank you again for allowing us to share your wonderful film! It was truly inspiring."
-Aaron Grenier, Social Studies Teacher, James Madison Fellow
UPCOMING SCREENING EVENTS
Bowling Green, OH Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 15, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Bowling Green State University
Bowen-Thompson Student Union Theater, room 206
806 Ridge Street, Bowling Green, OH 43403
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 15, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Bowling Green State University
Bowen-Thompson Student Union Theater, room 206
806 Ridge Street, Bowling Green, OH 43403
Facebook Event
No Tickets Required
Free Parking, Lot 7A-D if you register your vehicle using the link below
University Events Calendar
No Tickets Required
Free Parking, Lot 7A-D if you register your vehicle using the link below
Printable Parking Pass URL
Community is encouraged to attend!University Events Calendar
Cambridge, OH Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
September 16, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
including LIVE Q&A with Rick Booth & Director
Crossroads Library Branch Auditorium
63500 Byesville Rd. Cambridge, OH 43725
September 16, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
including LIVE Q&A with Rick Booth & Director
Crossroads Library Branch Auditorium
63500 Byesville Rd. Cambridge, OH 43725
For reservations,
call the library at 740-432-5946
call the library at 740-432-5946
Colorado Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including VIRTUAL Q&A with Director
at the Grand Lake U.S. Constitution Week
September 17, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
At the Community House in Town Park
Grand Lake, CO
including VIRTUAL Q&A with Director
at the Grand Lake U.S. Constitution Week
September 17, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
At the Community House in Town Park
Grand Lake, CO
Berea, OH Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 17, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Baldwin Wallace University
Strosacker Hall Student Union
Room Sandstone 3
125 Tressel St, Berea, OH 44017
Strosacker Parking Lot, free after 5pm
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 17, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Baldwin Wallace University
Strosacker Hall Student Union
Room Sandstone 3
125 Tressel St, Berea, OH 44017
Strosacker Parking Lot, free after 5pm
Community is encouraged to attend!
FOR TICKETS
FOR TICKETS
Louisville, OH Premiere
"CONSTITUTION TOWN, USA"
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 18, 7:00 pm - 9:45 pm (after sunset outdoor screening)
The Downtown Green Space
504 E Main St., Louisville, OH 44641
In the event of rain, Louisville Middle School
1300 S Chapel St, Louisville, OH 44641
More Information
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 18, 7:00 pm - 9:45 pm (after sunset outdoor screening)
The Downtown Green Space
504 E Main St., Louisville, OH 44641
In the event of rain, Louisville Middle School
1300 S Chapel St, Louisville, OH 44641
More Information
Toledo, OH Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
September 19, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The University of Toledo
Savage & Associates business complex, room 1200
2905 W Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43606
including LIVE Q&A with the Director
moderated by Dr. Renee Heberle
September 19, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The University of Toledo
Savage & Associates business complex, room 1200
2905 W Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43606
including LIVE Q&A with the Director
moderated by Dr. Renee Heberle
More information coming soon
Chillicothe, OH Premiere
"the first capital of Ohio"
"the first capital of Ohio"
FREE SCREENING EVENT
September 20, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ohio University - Chillicothe Campus
Bennett Hall Auditorium,
101 University Dr., Chillicothe, OH
including LIVE Q&A with Director
Master of Ceremonies Kevin Shoemaker
Free Parking
More info available at visitchillicotheohio.com
Community is encouraged to attend!
FOR TICKETS
September 20, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ohio University - Chillicothe Campus
Bennett Hall Auditorium,
101 University Dr., Chillicothe, OH
including LIVE Q&A with Director
Master of Ceremonies Kevin Shoemaker
Free Parking
More info available at visitchillicotheohio.com
Community is encouraged to attend!
FOR TICKETS
Pickaway County, OH Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 21, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Ministry and Performing Arts Center
Ohio Christian University
1476 Lancaster Pike
Circleville, Ohio 43113
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 21, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Ministry and Performing Arts Center
Ohio Christian University
1476 Lancaster Pike
Circleville, Ohio 43113
Free Parking
FOR TICKETS
FOR TICKETS
Oberlin, OH Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 22, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Oberlin College
King Building, Room 106 (first floor lecture hall)
10 N Professor St, Oberlin, OH 44074
Street parking along the Southern and Eastern sides of Tappan Square, which is a short walk to the King Building
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 22, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Oberlin College
King Building, Room 106 (first floor lecture hall)
10 N Professor St, Oberlin, OH 44074
Street parking along the Southern and Eastern sides of Tappan Square, which is a short walk to the King Building
Greenville, OH Premiere
"TREATY CITY"
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 23, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Wayne Theatre
540 S Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331
"TREATY CITY"
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 23, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Wayne Theatre
540 S Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331
Free tickets available the night of the premiere
Doors open at 6:00 pm. First-come, first-served.
Doors open at 6:00 pm. First-come, first-served.
Perrysburg, OH Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 24, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Owens Community College
College Hall 10030335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
More Information
including LIVE Q&A with Director
September 24, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Owens Community College
College Hall 10030335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
More Information
Sanford, NC Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
including LIVE Q&A with Director,
Semiquincentennial Committee Exec. Dir., Dr. Troy Kickler,
Sanford County Commmission Chair Kirk Smith
October 23, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Central Carolina Community College Civic Auditorium
1801 Nash St., Sanford, NC 27330
Free Parking
Community is encouraged to attend!
including LIVE Q&A with Director,
Semiquincentennial Committee Exec. Dir., Dr. Troy Kickler,
Sanford County Commmission Chair Kirk Smith
October 23, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Central Carolina Community College Civic Auditorium
1801 Nash St., Sanford, NC 27330
Free Parking
Community is encouraged to attend!
Halifax, NC Premiere
SCREENING EVENT
August 1, 2026
Historic Halifax State Historic Site
25 Saint David St.
Halifax, North Carolina 27839
More information coming soon
August 1, 2026
Historic Halifax State Historic Site
25 Saint David St.
Halifax, North Carolina 27839
More information coming soon
"Entertaining, Informative!"
-Brian Smith of Wilmington, NC
-Brian Smith of Wilmington, NC
"Captivating, stimulating, and so timely"
-Senior Deputy Public Defender Justin Tuttle, & Adjunct Professor at the Colleges of Law - Ventura
-Senior Deputy Public Defender Justin Tuttle, & Adjunct Professor at the Colleges of Law - Ventura
Fort Myers, FL Premiere Event at the Alliance for the Arts Theatre on April 3, 2025. Photo by D. Garrigus.
"My work on this film began over 15 years ago with a personal quest: to understand our Constitution on a deeper level, which has now become a national necessity. Dramatizing the Constitution's origin story in an entertaining film provides a timely and powerful means for enhancing audiences' fundamental understanding of it. We the People must first understand our Constitution before we can truly address any problems with what many call a 'broken system.'"
-David Garrigus, Filmmaker & Constitution Advocate
-David Garrigus, Filmmaker & Constitution Advocate
"American society needs to rebuild its secondary social institutions
and Americans must examine true stories about our shared history.
Thank you for helping us progress toward those two goals."
-Deputy District Attorney David Barnes & Adjunct Professor at the Colleges of Law - Ventura
and Americans must examine true stories about our shared history.
Thank you for helping us progress toward those two goals."
-Deputy District Attorney David Barnes & Adjunct Professor at the Colleges of Law - Ventura
PREVIOUS SCREENING EVENTS
California Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
July 12, 2025
The Colleges of Law - Ventura Campus
4475 Market Street, Ventura, CA
July 12, 2025
The Colleges of Law - Ventura Campus
4475 Market Street, Ventura, CA
"Thank you Dean Funk, your faculty and students for a fantastic experience at a remarkable school." -David Garrigus
"Well made, thoughtful, & even humorous at times"
-Associate Dean April Vincent, The Colleges of Law - Ventura
-Associate Dean April Vincent, The Colleges of Law - Ventura
"I loved it!"
-James S. Todd of Charlottesville, VA
-James S. Todd of Charlottesville, VA
Tennessee Premiere
FREE SCREENING EVENT
June 5, 2025
at the historic Palace Theatre
146 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066
June 5, 2025
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 21, 2025
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Boardman Auditorium
Followed by LIVE Q&A with the Film’s Director, and UNCC Professor & Author Eric Heberlig. Included a Constitutional Contest, Prizes and more!
May 21, 2025
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Boardman Auditorium
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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