The Inaugural American Presidents A
FILM & LITERARY FESTIVAL
Thursday, Sept. 27 - Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018 in Fremont, Ohio
g n i v r e S y l d u o “Pr h t i w e l Peop l a t n e m p o l e v e D S E I T I L I B A s i d ” s r a e Y 0 4 r e v for o Corporate Office:
2036 East Township Road 122 Tiffin, OH 419-443-0767
www.ECIinc.net Page 2
2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
Welcome to the inaugural American Presidents Film & Literary Festival! This is the inaugural year of the American Presidents the first American presidential library. Opened in 1916, Film & Literary Festival. The festival was conceived the family of President Hayes wanted to preserve for as a collaboration between the Rutherford B. Hayes posterity the collected works of their important ancestor. Library & Museums and the Learning and Liberty It is only fitting that the first presidential library be Foundation of the Fremont City Schools. the site of the American Presidents Film & Literary Festival to further the education and relationship with the Our mission is to bring film and literature about the American presidency. American presidency to audiences in a form that is innovative, engaging and multidimensional. No other Our local schools, likewise, have embraced the film festival in the world has elected this specific focus. mission of this festival, believing that it will expose students to the American presidency and afford learning On Thursday, April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New opportunities in filmmaking and literature. York City, New York, when George Washington was inaugurated the first president of the newly created We gratefully thank the Friends of the Birchard United States of America, the crowd of a few hundred Public Library for their full-hearted endorsement and people was small, the message heard locally and little commitment to the festival. Special thanks to our many attention was paid across the world. other sponsors and supporters that have made this event possible. We hope as But an important a result of this event foundation had been that you will have laid. In the last 50 years learned something new the inauguration of the about the American American president has presidency and be been attended by tens of afforded an opportunity thousands and is covered to engage in civil by news outlets around conversation about the the globe. issues of the president In time, the founders of of the United States. this festival hope to have We also hope you an equivalent impact in will commit to assist the world of presidential as a volunteer or in film and literature. We other activities such as have brought to the City sponsorships, future of Fremont, county of festival activities and Sandusky, state of Ohio membership in coming an event that will focus years as the festival on the people, places, grows and achieves politics and power that surround the institution of The American Presidents Film & Literary Festival Executive Committee (from its place in the conversation, analysis the presidency. left): Joe Albrechta, attorney; Christie Weininger, Hayes Presidential Library and exploration & Museums executive director; Nancicarol Woleslagel, owner of Woleslagel Why Fremont, Ohio? about the American Moving Co.; and Denice Hirt, director of curriculum at Fremont City Schools. Fremont is the site of presidency.
Thank you for being a part of the first American Presidents Film & Literary Festival! - The American Presidents Film & Literary Festival Executive Committee
Joe Abrechta President l
2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
Denice Hirt Vice President
Christie Weininger Treasurer
Nancicarol Woleslagel Secretary Page 3
2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival Sponsors Thank you for your support! Major grant funding provided by:
Sponsor of public and private events in Fremont City Schools with children’s author Connie Trounstine:
Sponsor of Red Carpet Event: Lecture on the Presidency by keynote speaker Kirk Ellis and dinner:
Sponsor of Film Block 4 - Independent Short Films:
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2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
Film Festival Venues Croghan St.
115 S Front St.
Garrison St.
S Front St.
Bidwell Ave.
Garrison St.
S Arch St.
High St.
S Front St.
High St.
To Fremont Middle School
Live Edge Center
423 Croghan St.
Garrison St.
l Ave. wel Bid
Birchard Public Library of Sandusky County
1250 North St.
Croghan St.
Croghan St.
The Strand Concert Theater 220 S Front St. Birchard Ave.
Birchard Ave.
Birchard Ave.
Meet historical figures during lantern tours at Spiegel Grove Living history presenters will portray historical figures related to the American Presidency during a lantern tour of Spiegel Grove, the grounds of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, on Friday, Oct. 5. The tours begin at 9 p.m., and the last tour is at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums and at americanpresidentsfilmfestival.org. Guides with lanterns will lead groups around the grounds, where they will stop at various places and see performances by costumed presenters portraying Bobby Kennedy, Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison and Ulysses Grant. See page 17 for details on the presenters. This new program will be coordinated by Christie Weininger, executive director of the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. Consulting on the project is Jeremy Meier, associate professor of theatre at Owens Community College and developer of original, first-person Chautauqua performances. Meier is also one of the presenters 2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
S Front St.
Spiegel Grove
S Arch St.
To Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
Crop Circle Festival brings out extraterrestrial side of Fremont In addition to the film festival, Downtown Fremont is offering the Crop Circle Festival on Friday, Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 6 on North Front Street. This festival is a family oriented extraterrestrial event where participants can watch or experience fun, creative and curious events, including art activities for children and adults, such as crochet street art, community paint by numbers, children’s art walk and educational poetry and art recreational projects. Glass-blowing and pottery demonstrations also will be offered. This event focuses on learning, creativity, fun, families, teamwork, team-building and celebrating what makes each person unique. Festival hours are 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. For information, visit downtownfremontohio.org.
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Meet the Presenters Kirk Ellis
Keynote speaker for Lecture on the Presidency Screenwriter for the HBO miniseries “John Adams’’ 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at The Strand Concert Theatre
Kirk Ellis won two Emmys, a WGA Award, a Peabody and the Humanitas Prize for his work as writer and coexecutive producer on the HBO miniseries “John Adams.” The miniseries won a record-breaking 13 Emmys in total, as well as four Golden Globe awards. Previously, Ellis received an Emmy nomination and won the WGA Award and Humanitas Prize for the ABC miniseries “Anne Frank,” which he wrote and co-produced. (Miniseries on which he has served as writer and producer have garnered
more than 50 Emmy nominations.) Currently, Ellis is developing a dramatic series set in the world of Chinese-American night clubs in World War II, based on the Lisa See novel “China Dolls” and produced in conjunction with actor/producer Daniel Dae Kim. With Bryan Cranston and ITV Entertainment, Ellis is executive producer and writer of “A Great Improvisation,” based on the book by Stacy Schiff, which chronicles Benjamin Franklin’s efforts to negotiate a treaty with France at the height of the American Revolution. He is also collaborating with producer Tim Kring (“Heroes”) and Imperative Entertainment for “Explorers,” a limited series based on the great explorations of the 19th and early 20th centuries, commencing with Burton and Speke and the Quest for the Nile.
Connie Trounstine
Author of children’s book “Fingerprints on the Table” FREE dinner and event with the public 5:30 - 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at Fremont Middle School
A 1998 Associated Press newspaper article sparked Connie Trounstine’s idea to write “Fingerprints on the Table.” The article detailed an agreement that President Bill Clinton, Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat, Jordan’s King Hussein and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed on the White House Treaty Table in the East Room. Over the years, eight presidents, Republican and Democratic, have signed treaties on this table.
What stories could the table tell? “This table…the Treaty Table…has been an eye witness to history since our country began healing after a bloody Civil War,” Trounstine said. “The table built by immigrants who came to our shores with dreams of a better life has touched hearts and recorded fingerprints. “This table today is as strong and resilient as the United States itself.” A native of Delphos, Ohio, Trounstine is a former newspaper reporter. She also is the author of books “The Worst Christmas Ever” and “The Phantom Five.” She spends her free time fly fishing in Montana and golfing. She lives in Cincinnati.
Jack Nachbar
Professor emeritus, Bowling Green State University Fascists, Fools and Action Heroes: Fictional Presidents in Three Movie Periods 5 - 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at The Strand 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums auditorium 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Hayes Presidential Library & Museums conference room
Jack Nachbar received his Ph.D. in English from Bowling Green in 1974 where he remained to help develop the newly established Department of Popular Culture. During his 30 years at Bowling Green, Nachbar taught more than 30 different undergraduate and graduate courses ranging from Shakespeare to silent film. He was director of film studies for 15 years. In 1996, Nachbar received the Undergraduate Alumni Association Master Teacher Award. Nachbar is the co-founder of “The Journal of Popular Film and Page 6
Television” and was co-editor for the next 25 years. He remains a senior associate editor of “JPF&T,” now in its 45th year. Nachbar has written or edited 10 books, including a standard text in popular culture courses, “Popular Culture: An Introductory Text” (1992). He is the author of more than 25 published articles on popular culture and movies and has presented more than 40 papers at professional meetings. Since his retirement from BGSU in 1997, Nachbar has continued his studies in Hollywood movies. His work serves his community in Northern Minnesota rather than academia. He presents a monthly “Classic Movie Series” at his local arts center. He also regularly appears on his local public radio station to discuss movies and occasionally contributes essays on a weekly radio show of ideas, “Stay Human.” 2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
Todd Arrington
Site manager, James A. Garfield National Historic Site Viewing and discussion of “Murder of a President” 7:30 - 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums auditorium 10:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums conference room 3 - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Hayes Presidential Library & Museums auditorium
Todd Arrington is a career National Park Service historian and interpreter. In 2015, Arrington was promoted to site manager of James A. Garfield National Historic Site. He is responsible for all aspects of the National Park Service’s operation of the site, including interpretation, special events, partnerships, maintenance, budget and planning. He appeared in the PBS American Experience documentary “Murder of a President” about James A. Garfield. The film aired nationally in early 2016. Arrington has been published several times on subjects related to the American Civil War and westward expansion. His essay “Industry and Economy during the Civil War” was published in “The Civil War Remembered,” the National
Park Service’s official handbook commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. He writes for the popular history blogs “We’re History” and “Emerging Civil War” and is currently writing a book on the 1880 presidential election for the American Presidential Elections series of the University Press of Kansas. In discussing relevant history and National Park Service news and events, he has spoken at dozens of academic conferences and appeared on PBS, C-SPAN, numerous television and radio news programs, Radio Free Europe and National Public Radio. He has taught history and humanities classes at several northeast Ohio colleges, including Lake Erie College, John Carroll University, Lorain County Community College and Lakeland Community College. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 19951998. He has a master’s degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
Jonathan Hennessey
Author of graphic novel, “The Gettysburg Address” Skype session 2 - 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Birchard Public Library
Jonathan Hennessey is a writer of both nonfiction and fiction. American History is generally his muse. His graphic novel, “The Gettysburg Address: A Graphic Adaptation,” used the words of Abraham Lincoln’s immortal speech to tell the whole story of the Civil War from colonial times through the Civil Rights Era. The book received starred reviews in Kirkus and Library Journal and was also chosen by Library Journal as a “Best Graphic Novel of 2013.” The novel was a conceptual follow- up to “The Comic Book
Story of Beer,” a nonfiction graphic novel telling the story of the world’s favorite alcoholic beverage from 7,000 B.C. to the present. He co-wrote “The Comic Story of Beer” with longtime friend, professional brewer Mike Smith. “The Comic Book Story of Beer” is Jonathan’s third collaboration with artist Aaron McConnell. Their first book release, “The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation,” is an illustrated, graphic novel edition of the entire U.S. Constitution. It was chosen as a “Best Book of 2008” by The Village Voice and a 2009 “Great Graphic Novels for Teens” by the American Library Association. He has appeared on “The Rachel Maddow Show,” has guest blogged for Fox News and the American Constitution Society; written for the Austin Chronicle; and has appeared at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, San Diego Comic Con and New York City Comic Con.
Eric Foner
Author and professor of history at Columbia University Fiery Trial, Skype session 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27, at Birchard Public Library (live session) 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Birchard Public Library (recording replay)
Eric Foner, DeWitt Clinton professor of history at Columbia University, is one of this country’s most prominent historians. He is one of only two people to serve as president of the three major professional organizations: the Organization of American Historians, American Historical Association, and Society of American Historians. 2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
He is one of a handful to have won the Bancroft and Pulitzer Prizes in the same year. Foner’s publications have concentrated on the intersections of intellectual, political and social history and the history of American race relations. He has written numerous books, including “Reconstruction: America’s Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877.” He revised the presentation of American history at the Hall of Presidents at Disney World and Meet Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland, and has served as consultant to several National Parks Service historical sites and historical museums. Page 7
Tom Culbertson
Former executive director, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Abe Lincoln Political Cartoons 1 - 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Birchard Public Library
Tom Culbertson was the executive director of the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums from 2005 to 2012. Before that, he worked as the director of history and education and manuscripts curator at HPLM. Culbertson has been an Army officer, college librarian, stockbroker and
archivist. He has served on the boards of community and professional organizations and frequently used his experience in finance to serve as treasurer. Culbertson is the author of “Rutherford B. Hayes: A Life of Service.” The Gilded Age, particularly political cartoons, is his academic interest. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and a master’s degree in library science with a specialization in archives and manuscripts management from Syracuse University.
Dustin McLochlin
Curator, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Ranking the Presidents 9:15 - 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Birchard Public Library
Dustin McLochlin has been the curator at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums since 2017. Before becoming curator, he worked as the education coordinator at HPLM. McLochlin has a Ph.D. in policy history from Bowling
Green State University. Since 1948, scholars have been ranking presidents. In high profile releases from major news outlets and agencies, experts provide some insight in the effectiveness of each man who has inhabited the chief executive position. Why do some feel the desire to rank the presidents? What biases are inherent in these rankings? And what do these rankings tell us about what we value? McLochlin will examine these questions in his discussion.
Meghan Wonderly
Annual giving and membership coordinator, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Walking with Webb 10 - 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
Meghan Wonderly is the author of “A Son’s Dream: Colonel Webb C. Hayes and the Founding of the Nation’s First Presidential Library.” Her book covers the challenges Webb Hayes, son of President Rutherford and First Lady Lucy Hayes, faced and overcame to found the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in 1916.
She has been actively involved at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums for years. She is currently the annual giving & membership coordinator at HPLM. Wonderly has a bachelor’s degree in English from Oberlin University. She has a master’s degree in History from Bowling Green State University. “Walking with Webb” is a walking tour through the museum that highlights specific areas that were key features in construction or important to Webb. Attendees of the talk will see Webb’s staircase that is no longer open to the public and other behind-the-scenes areas. Wonderly will also discuss how HPLM fits into the larger body of presidential libraries as the first and forerunner for the federal presidential library system.
Larry Michaels Author
Presidential Humor 10:15 - 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Birchard Public Library Presidential Limericks and Poetry 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, Downtown Fremont Crop Circle Festival
Larry Michaels is a Lutheran pastor and local history author. He has a Ph.D. in English and taught for many years at the University of Toledo. He and his wife, Suzi, live in Fremont. “Humor of the Presidents” is Page 8
a presentation of the witticisms and humorous remarks made by U.S. Presidents, discussed in the context of the challenges they faced during their terms in office. Lincoln, Jefferson, Kennedy, and Reagan were well known for their humor, but most presidents, even Coolidge and Millard Fillmore, surprisingly could show a lighter vein. The use of humor is revealing not only about the man, but also the way they dealt with the most difficult office in the land. 2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
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2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
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Festival Schedule
Everything you need to know: Times, locations and special events Thursday Sept. 27
Thursday Oct. 4
Skype session with author and historian Eric Foner
FREE family night and dinner with children’s author Connie Trounstine, who will present the student awards. There will be activities for families.
7 p.m. Admission is free Birchard Public Library
Monday Oct. 1 Viewing of episodes 1 and 2 of “John Adams,” HBO miniseries 6 - 8:30 p.m. Admission is free Birchard Public Library
Tuesday Oct. 2 Viewing of episodes 3 and 4 of “John Adams,” HBO miniseries 6 - 8:30 p.m. Admission is free Birchard Public Library
Wednesday Oct. 3 Viewing of episodes 5 and 6 of “John Adams,” HBO miniseries 6 - 8:30 p.m. Admission is free Birchard Public Library
Sponsored by First National Bank of Bellevue 5:30 - 7 p.m. Admission is free Fremont Middle School
Friday Oct. 5 Film Block 1 - Fascists, Fools and Action Heroes: Fictional Presidents in Three Movie Periods - viewing of portions of films depicting fictional presidents and discussion by Jack Nachbar 5 - 6:30 p.m. The Strand
Film Block 3 - “The Astronot,” independent film Sponsored by Habitec Security 5:15 - 6:45 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Film Block 4 - Independent Short Films
5:30 - 7 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Second Floor
Crop Circle Festival begins 6 p.m. Downtown Fremont
Meet & greet, wine tasting and white glove artifact activity where guests can hold a piece of history from the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums’ collections. (Ticketed guests can take part in this event any time
between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.)
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Rotunda
Film Block 2 – “Murder of a President” with discussion by Todd Arrington 7:30 – 10 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Film Block 5 -”The Reagan Show,” independent film 7:45 – 9:15 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Second Floor
Film Block 4 – Independent Short Films Sponsored by Habitec Security 8 – 9:30 p.m. The Strand
Lantern Tours with living history presenters 9 p.m. (last tour at 10:30 p.m.) Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Grounds
2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
Friday, Oct. 5
5 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:15 p.m.
The Strand Concert Theater Fascists, Fools and Action Heroes: Fictional Presidents in Three Movie Periods with discussion by Jack Nachbar (page 15)
Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Second Floor
Independent Short Films (page 14)
Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Rotunda
Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Grounds
“The Astronot,” Independent FeatureLength Film (page 14)
6:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m.
Meet & Greet, wine tasting and white glove artifact activity
7 p.m. g d
7:15 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 8 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:45 p.m.
Independent Short Films (page 14)
“The Reagan Show,” independent film (page 15)
“Murder of a President” with discussion by Todd Arrington (page 15)
9 p.m. 9:15 p.m.
Lantern Tours with Living History Presenters (page 5)
9:30 p.m. 9:45 p.m. me
10 p.m.
Festival Tickets on
Ticket prices: $5 per film block
$5 per person for lantern tours $20 for a three-day film pass $25 for a Friday exclusive pass - includes two film blocks, wine tasting and hands-on artifact activity at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums and lantern tour $30 for the Red Carpet Event: Lecture on the Presidency includes dinner and wine tasting $65 for an all-access pass - includes all films, Friday wine tasting, hands-on artifact activity, lantern tour and Saturday wine tasting, dinner and Lecture on the Presidency
Online: americanpresidentsfilmfestival.org In person Hayes Presidential & Museums in advance: Library Spiegel Grove
Fremont, OH 43420
Fremont City Schools Board Office 500 W. State St., Suite A Fremont, OH 43420
2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
* Tickets can be purchased where ticketed events are held, subject to availability. *
Film Category Key Independent Short Films Feature-Length Independent Films Commercial Films Documentary Special Event Literary/Presidential Presentations
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Saturday Oct. 6
The Strand Hayes Hayes Hayes Concert Presidential Presidential Presidential Theater Library & Library & Library & Museums Museums Museums Conference Auditorium Museum/ Room Library Building
Farmer’s Market 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Downtown Fremont
Crop Circle Festival Activities begin
9:30 a.m.
Ranking the Presidents with Dustin McLochlin
10 a.m.
Film Block 5 - “The Reagan Show,” independent film 9:30 - 11 a.m. The Strand
Walking with Webb with Meghan Wonderly
10 - 11 a.m. Admission is free Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
Film Block 1 - Fascists, Fools and Action Heroes: Fictional Presidents in Three Movie Periods viewing of portions of films depicting fictional presidents and discussion by Jack Nachbar 10 - 11:30 a.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Film Block 2 – “Murder of a President” with discussion by Todd Arrington 10:15 – 12:45 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Conference Room
Birchard Public Library Second Floor
Other locations (specified in block below)
9 a.m.
9 a.m. Downtown Fremont
9:15 - 10 a.m. Free Admission Birchard Public Library
Birchard Public Library
10:30 a.m. 11 a.m.
“The Reagan Show,” independent film (page 15)
11:30 a.m. 12 p.m. 12:30 p.m.
Ranking the Presidents with Dustin McLochlin
“Murder of a President” with discussion by Todd Arrington (page 15)
Fascists, Fools and Action Heroes: Fictional Presidents in Three Movie Periods (page 15)
Walking with Webb with Meghan Wonderly
Presidential Humor with Larry Michaels
Skype session with author/ historian Eric Foner
“The Astronot,” Independent FeatureLength Film (page 14)
Presidential Limericks and Poetry with Larry Michaels at Downtown Fremont Crop Circle Festival
1 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
“The Reagan Show,” independent film (page 15)
Independent Short Films (page 14)
“Murder of a President” Fascists, with Fools and discussion Action by Todd Heroes: Arrington Fictional Presidents in (page 15) Three Movie Periods (page 15)
4 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Local Author Fair, Meet & Greet, Book Signing
Skype session with Jonathan Hennessey, graphic novelist
3 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
Abe Lincoln Political Cartoons with Tom Culbertson
Viewing of Episode 7 of “John Adams,” HBO miniseries (page 16)
Presidential Humor with 5 p.m. Larry Michaels 10:15 - 11 a.m. Admission is free Birchard Public Library
Film Block 3 - “The Astronot,” independent film
5:30 p.m. 6 p.m.
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Strand
6:30 p.m.
Local Author Fair: Meet & Greet, Book Signing
7 p.m.
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free Birchard Public Library (2nd floor)
Skype session with author and historian Eric Foner (recording) 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Admission is free Birchard Public Library Page 12
Red Carpet Event: Meet & Greet, Wine Tasting Lecture on the Presidency by Kirk Ellis and dinner
“The Astronot,” Independent FeatureLength Film (page 14)
7:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
Red Carpet Event: Film and Literary Awards Presentation at the Live Edge Center
9 p.m. 2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
Presidential Limericks and Poetry with Larry Michaels
discussion by Jack Nachbar
Abe Lincoln Political Cartoons with Tom Culbertson
Viewing of Episode 7 of “John Adams,” HBO miniseries with introduction by screenwriter Kirk Ellis
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Admission is free Downtown Fremont Crop Circle Festival 1 – 1:45 p.m. Admission is free Birchard Public Library
3:15 – 4:45 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Conference Room
3:15 – 4:30 p.m., Admission is free Birchard Public Library
Film Block 4 – Independent Short Films
Sponsored by Habitec Security 1 – 2:30 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Film Block 3 - “The Astronot,” independent film
Film Block 5 - “The Reagan Show,” independent film
Red Carpet Event: Meet & Greet with wine tasting, Lecture on the Presidency by keynote speaker Kirk Ellis and dinner
6 – 7:30 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
1:30 - 3 p.m. The Strand
Sponsored by National Machinery Foundation and ProMedica Memorial Hospital 5-5:30 (wine tasting) 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (dinner) 6:15 - 7:15 (Lecture on the Presidency) The Strand
Skype session with Jonathan Hennessey, author of “Gettysburg,” a graphic novel 2 – 3 p.m., Admission is free Birchard Public Library
Film Block 2 – “Murder of a President” with discussion by Todd Arrington 3 – 5:30 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Film Block 1 - Fascists, Fools and Action Heroes: Fictional Presidents in Three Movie Periods - viewing of portions of films depicting fictional presidents and
Red Carpet Event: Film and Literary Awards 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Live Edge Center
End of Crop Circle Festival 10 p.m. Downtown Fremont
Sunday Oct. 7 Winner of Best Independent Short Film shown
10 – 11:00 a.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Wreath Laying Ceremony at President Rutherford B. Hayes’ grave 11 -11:45 a.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Grounds
Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Grounds
10 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Viewing of winner of Best Independent Short Film
11 a.m.
Winner of Best Feature-Length Film shown Noon – 1:30 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Winner of Best Production and Winner of People’s Choice 2 p.m. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Auditorium
Wreath-Laying at President Hayes’ grave
11:30 a.m. 12 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1 p.m.
Winner of the Best Feature-Length Film
1:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3 p.m.
Winner of Best Production and Winner of People’s Choice
3:30 p.m. Page 13
About the Films Short Films Teddy Roosevelt and Fracking
Directed by Jack Cochran and Pam Faulkenberg 29 minutes, 59 seconds An experimental documental essay, “Teddy Roosevelt and Fracking” explores the beauty and fragility of the North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana landscapes, contrasting the vastness and stark lonelines of the relatively untouched wild areas with the terrible beauty of the oil derricks, fracking towers, natural gas burn offs, coal mines, machinery, trucks, energy installations and energy towns - visual evidence of the recent boom and bust economy that echoes the cattle boom and bust of the 1880s. Teddy’s writings about the landscape and conservation combine with our images.
The Republican Movie Directed by Jon Navarro 17 minutes, 37 seconds
Joseph Ocasta is a rising star in the GOP who’s set on shaking up the system and disrupting the status quo in Washington, D.C. Along the way, he makes enemies through his bullish, hard-nosed political stance. An assassination plot unfolds to eliminate him on election night. Life or death becomes all a matter of a single vote.
Writing the Peace Directed by A.D. Cooper 10 minutes, 27 seconds
In May 1945, a document was signed that ended World War II in Europe. But who wrote the words that changed the course of the 20th Century? This film reveals that it was written by an actor turned soldier called John Counsell.
Feature-Length Film The Astronot
Directed by Tim Cash 1 hour, 12 minutes Daniel longed to touch the moon; with Sandy’s help, he’d reach the stars. It was 1969, and America was embarking on the biggest adventure known to humankind with its voyage to the moon. Daniel, too, was pursuing the unknown; leaving the path of isolation he had known for so long to embrace the love of another. The only question was would he be able to maintain that trajectory or would he veer off course never to be seen again. That was the challenge for “The Astronot.” Page 14
2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
Documentary Film Murder of a President American Experience Films/PBS Directed by Rob Rapley 2 hours, 30 minutes
On March 4, 1881, James Garfield became the 20th president of the United States—a position he would hold for only 200 days. Garfield rose from poverty to become the most powerful man in the United States, and many Americans believed he had the potential to become one of the country’s truly great presidents. But on July 2, mentally disturbed drifter Charles Guiteau shot President Garfield as he walked through the Baltimore and Potomac train station. Garfield survived the immediate shooting, but, with the importance of sterilization not yet realized by most American medical professionals, infection set in, killing the president 79 days later. For many Americans, James Garfield represented not only an American’s capacity to rise up in the world, but also the larger notion of what they believed the Union had fought for—equal opportunity for all men, black or white. With his death, many feared that vision died. But instead of Garfield’s vision dying with him, his death brought together the American public in a way they had not been united since well before the Civil War. The hope that Garfield had given them for a better day, a more just and equal America, would be carried forward in the decades to come. “Murder of a President” is based on Candice Millard’s bestselling and Edgar Award-winning book, “Destiny of the Republic.”
The Reagan Show
Directed by Sierra Pettengill and Pacho Velez 1 hour, 14 minutes The Reagan Show is an all-archival documentary about the original performer-president’s role of a lifetime. Teasing apart the spectacle at the heart of finger-on-the-button global diplomacy, the film follows Ronald Reagan’s rivalry with charismatic Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, tracing how the communicator-in-chief uses his public relations chops to overcome Soviet mistrust, the objections of a skeptical press corps and the looming threat of World War III. Chock full of wit and political irony, and told solely through 1980s network news and videotapes created by the Reagan administration itself, the film explores Reagan’s made-for-TV approach to politics as he faced down the United States’ greatest rival.
Commercial Films Fascists, Fools and Action Heroes: Fictional Presidents in Three Movie Periods Discussion of commercial films featuring fictional presidents with Jack Nachbar, Bowling Green State University professor emeritus Jack Nachbar will cover commercial films made during three time periods: •
The High Depression and the Early Days of President Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s through movies “Wild Boys of the Road” (1933); “Gabriel over the White House” (1933); “The President Vanishes” (1934). In these films, a surrogate for President Franklin Roosevelt saves teen protagonists; the president establishes a fascist state in order to ignore Congress and solve the Great Depression; and the president arranges his own kidnapping as a political strategy.
•
1960s, after President John F. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis through three of the following movies: “Kisses for my President” (1964); “Fail Safe” (1964); “Seven Days in May” (1964); and “Dr. Strangelove” (1964). In these films, the first woman president discovers she’s pregnant; the president must figure out a way to avert nuclear holocaust; the president struggles to prevent a military takeover of the government; and there is comic ineptitude in the “War Room” in the middle of a nuclear crisis. Please see Commercial Films Continued on page 16
2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
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Commercial Films Continued Continued from page 15
•
Love and Heroic Action in the Age of Clinton through selections from these movies: “Dave” (1993); “The American President” (1995); “Primary Colors” (1998); “Mars Attacks” (1996); “Independence Day” (1996); “Air Force One” (1997); and “Deep Impact” (1998). In these films, a look-alike subs for the real president; the president falls in love; a sexual scandal threatens to unravel a presidential campaign; the president tries to negotiate with Martian invaders; the president fights aliens; the president takes on murderous hijackers; and the president must prepare the world for the impact of a gigantic comet.
“John Adams”
HBO miniseries Directed by Tom Hooper Paul Giamatti plays America’s least understood and most underestimated founding father in this award-winning miniseries about the second president of the United States. The series spans Adams’ role in defending British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre to his involvement in the American Revolution and building a nation to his presidency and his later years.
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2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
Meet the Lantern Tour living history presenters “Meet” Abigail Adams, Bobby Kennedy, Dolley Madison and Ulysses Grant during lantern tours on Friday, Oct. 5, at Spiegel Grove, the grounds of the Rutherford B. Hayes Jeremy Meier Jean Presidential Library & Blechschmidt Museums. Living history presenters will portray these historical figures at each stop on the tours. The tours begin at 9 p.m. The last tour is at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at americanpresidentsfilmfestival.org and at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. The presenters are: Jeremy Meier Jeremy Meier will portray Bobby Kennedy. Meier is a theatre professor at Owens Community College in Northwest Ohio. He teaches acting and has directed 19 student productions at the school, including Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “Romeo and Juliet.” In addition to his portrayal of Bobby Kennedy, Meier has created original solo performances for the Ohio Humanities
on John Dillinger and Oliver Hazard Perry. Meier also was a consultant on the organization of this lantern tour. Jean Blechschmidt Jean Blechschmidt will Cathey Harpster Caleb Hall portray First Lady Dolley Madison. She is a retired school counselor. She has been a Hayes Presidential Library & Museums docent for two years and a Hayes Home guide for nearly six years. Cathey Harpster Cathey Harpster will portray First Lady Abigail Adams. She has been a guide in the Hayes Home for two years. She has been married to her husband, John, for 41 years. She has three children and seven grandchildren. Caleb Hall Caleb Hall will portray President Ulysses Grant. Caleb Hall started in acting at Owens Community College in his first musical, “Next to Normal.” He has performed in a variety of shows, even writing and performing as Nikola Tesla for the 2017 Ohio Chautaqua Training program.
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Meet the Judges
They will choose the best feature film, best short film and best production. Kirk Baird
Pop culture editor, film critic and media writer for The Toledo Blade Syndicated columnist for Scripps Howard News Service For the past 10 years, Kirk Baird has been the pop culture editor, film critic and media writer for The Toledo Blade. His weekly film reviews for The Blade are included in film critique aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.
Baird also has a weekly movie review and pop culture segment on Toledo radio personality Denny Schaffer’s morning show on WWWM-FM, 105.5. He routinely appears on Toledo Channel 13’s 5 p.m. newscast to discuss pop culture and movies. Baird’s work is syndicated by Scripps Howard News Service and has appeared in a variety of newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Detroit News, the Columbus Dispatch and the Orlando Sentinel.
Jeffrey Brown
Associate professor in the department of popular culture at Bowling Green State University Jeffery Brown is an active curator of popular culture exhibitions for institutions, such as The Toledo Museum of Art and The Royal Ontario Museum. His current research activities include gender and body issues in film, corporate media
culture, the role of vision in popular culture, urban ethnography and comic book studies. Brown is the author of “Black Superheroes, Milestone Comics, and Their Fans,” which gives a history of trailblazing comics that broke color barriers and portrayed African-Americans in heroic story lines. He also has published several journal articles on body issues in film. He has a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Toronto.
Jack Nachbar
Professor emeritus, Bowling Green State University Jack Nachbar received his Ph.D. in English from Bowling Green in 1974 where he remained to help develop the newly established Department of Popular Culture. During his 30 years at Bowling Green, Nachbar taught more than 30 different undergraduate and graduate courses ranging from Shakespeare to silent film. He was director of film studies for 15 years. In 1996, Nachbar received the Undergraduate Alumni Association Master Teacher Award. Nachbar is the co-founder of “The Journal of Popular Film and Television” and was co-editor for the next 25 years. He remains a senior associate editor of “JPF&T,” now in its 45th year. Page 18
Nachbar has written or edited 10 books, including a standard text in popular culture courses, “Popular Culture: An Introductory Text” (1992). He is the author of more than 25 published articles on popular culture and movies and has presented more than 40 papers at professional meetings. Since his retirement from BGSU in 1997, Nachbar has continued his studies in Hollywood movies. His work serves his community in Northern Minnesota rather than academia. He presents a monthly “Classic Movie Series” at his local arts center. He also regularly appears on his local public radio station to discuss movies and occasionally contributes essays on a weekly radio show of ideas, “Stay Human.” Nachbar is also presenting a program, called “Fascists, Fools and Action Heroes: Fictional Presidents in Three Movie Periods,” at various times during the American Presidents Film & Literary Festival. 2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
Thank you for making the American Presidents Film & Literary Festival possible! Festival Committees Executive Committee
Michelle Borjas - Fremont City Schools Melissa Hanson - Fremont City Schools Patricia Diaz - Fremont City Schools Mike Gilbert - retired teacher, local historian
Joe Albrechta, president Denice Hirt, vice president Christie Weininger, treasurer Nancicarol Woleslagel, secretary
Literary Subcommittee
Steering Committee Elizabeth Davenport - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Dustin McLochlin - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Christie Weininger - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Denice Hirt - Fremont City Schools Pam Hoesman - Birchard Public Library Kim Beardmore - Fremont City Schools Kristy Witte - Albrechta & Coble, Attorneys Joe Albrechta - Albrechta & Coble, Attorneys Kristina Smith - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Nancicarol Woleslagel - Woleslagel Moving Co. Kathy Boukissen - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Susan Frye - Downtown Fremont
Programming and Submissions Chairman: Elizabeth Davenport, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
Film Subcommittee
Chairman: Dustin McLochlin, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Kevin Lause - Birchard Public Library Joan Eckermann - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Kevin Moore - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Cheryl Laugherty - Birchard Public Library Janet Myles - Retired Fremont Middle School librarian
Education Subcommittee
Chairman: Pam Hoesman Kevin Lause - Birchard Public Library Nancy Koebel - Birchard Public Library Kevin Moore - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Larry Michaels, local author Suzi Michaels, local author Kathleen Nalley, retired special education director Cheryl Cotter, retired from Sandusky County Department of Developmental Disabilities
Development and Fundraising Chairman: Kathy Boukissen Meghan Wonderly - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Mike Ginnetti - St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Bowling Green Kerri Carte - WSOS John Ransom - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Sharon Barnett - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
Marketing Chairman: Kristina Smith, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Peggy Courtney - Sandusky County Convention & Visitors Bureau Gil Gonzalez - Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Tom Leite, retired from Fremont News-Messenger Program design: Kristina Smith
Chairman: Kim Beardmore - Fremont City Schools Denice Hirt - Fremont City Schools Annette Fisher - Fremont City Schools Shawn Hineline - Fremont City Schools
Festival Venues
Birchard Public Library 423 Croghan St. Fremont, OH 43420
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums Spiegel Grove Fremont, OH 43420
Fremont Middle School 1250 North St. Fremont, OH 43420
The Strand Concert Theater 220 S. Front St. Fremont, OH 43420
Live Edge Center 115 S. Front St. Fremont, OH 43420
Downtown Fremont Crop Circle Festival Downtown Fremont, Front Street
2018 American Presidents Film & Literary Festival
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Thank you to these organizations for founding the inaugural
American Presidents
FILM & LITERARY FESTIVAL
Liberty & Learning Foundation
Birchard Public Library