DOCUTAH@TheELECTRIC presents “Pete McCloskey: Leading from the Front,” narrated by the late Paul Newman. The documentary tells the colorful story of former Republican Congressman Pete McCloskey, a true political “maverick,” a Marine war hero, a leading peace advocate during the Vietnam War, and an environmental activist. The film, is the fourth in the new monthly documentary series presented by the DSU DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival. Both Pete McCloskey and the film’s director, Rob Caughlan, will be present for a filmmaker chat at the April 29 screening at The Electric Theater in St. George and the April 30 screening at the Zion Canyon Theater in Springdale.
In Korea, McCloskey won the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts, all in the span of just a few days. Because he saw the horrors of war, he has spent the rest of his life fighting for peace. McCloskey’s other passion is the environment. He was the lead author of the Endangered Species Act and the co-founder of Earth Day.
“McCloskey’s story offers an example of an authentic hero who dedicates his life to public service and follows his conscience, despite the prevailing political winds,” according to The Video Project. “The documentary cuts through contemporary biases based on ideologies and party affiliations to open a unique window onto an important span of our nation’s history. In so doing, it enables that history to illuminate present day politics and issues in a new, even refreshing light.”
“It was probably inevitable that McCloskey’s outspokenness would lead to his [eventual] defeat in politics,” notes San Francisco Chronicle film reviewer David Wiegand, “but as he once said to an interviewer, ‘What this country needs is politicians willing to lose.’”
“I was honored to make a film about Pete’s life because he embodies all the qualities of a true patriot,” said Rob Caughlan, who produced and directed the film. “He is truly an American character in the best sense of the word. We are delighted to present this film to the wonderful communities of Southern Utah, where so many veterans reside, and just days after the 2016 celebration of Earth Day.
“We believe that this important film sheds light on a time when, perhaps, our political and civil discourse took a higher road despite divergent opinions.” said Phil Tuckett, executive director of DOCUTAH. “The DOCUTAH@TheELECTRIC series is a way to continue to bring thought-provoking documentary films to our community during the season leading up to The DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival in September.”
The film will be shown at the historic Electric Theater in St. George on Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 30, at the Zion Canyon Theater in Springdale at 7 p.m. Tickets for The Electric Theater are available for $10 at the door, by calling (435) 652-7574, or at the Jennings Building on the DSU campus from Phil Tuckett or Christina Merrill. Tickets in Springdale are available at the door.
Upcoming films at The Electric Theater
May 27: “Off the Rez”
Directed by Jonathan Hock, the documentary, which won an ESPN “30 for 30” award, follows former Oregon high school basketball star Shoni Schimmel and her family’s journey from the Umatilla Indian Reservation to Shoni starring on the basketball court.
June 24: “The Day After Trinity: J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb”
The film is directed by Jon H. Else. Scientists and witnesses involved in the creation and testing of the first atomic bomb reflect on the Manhattan project and its fascinating leader, J. Robert Oppenheimer.
July 29: “The Great American Cowboy”
Directed by Kieth Merrill, this Oscar-winning film tells the exciting true story of this vanishing American and his special kind of freedom.
DOCUTAH’s mission is to enlighten, entertain and envision the world through documentary film. As such, it is an integral part of the performing arts at Dixie State University and a perfect fit for the performing and cultural arts program at DSU.
