Ken Burns, renowned documentary filmmaker, recently unveiled a preview of his latest project focused on the American Revolutionary War, illustrating how history remains relevant to contemporary issues. During his visit to Dallas, Burns engaged with students at the Pegasus Media Project and supporters at the Winspear Opera House, sharing insights about the documentary which will air as a six-part, 12-hour series on PBS later this year.
Burns passionately described the significance of the American Revolution, describing it as “the most important event in world history since the birth of Christ.” The film, which took eight years to complete, challenges the more simplistic narratives often taught in Texas classrooms, emphasizing the war’s global implications and its foundational impact on democratic principles that resonate today.
“One of my goals is to put the ‘us’ back in the United States,” Burns expressed, indicating a desire to rekindle a connection to the nation’s founding ideals. To effectively communicate this intricate history, the documentary utilizes a diverse array of narrators to present a multi-faceted perspective of the conflict.
Unlike his prior works, which leaned heavily on archival materials, this documentary employs artistic renditions and reenactments, representing around 12,000 images distilled down to 1,200. Prominent figures from Hollywood, including Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, lend their voices to dramatize personal letters and diaries, promising to bring an authentic emotional resonance to the historical narrative.
Burns, along with co-directors Sarah Botstein and David P. Schmidt, also enlisted the expertise of historians like Harvard’s Jane Kamensky and best-selling author Rick Atkinson, crafting a plot arc that promises revelations about the often-overlooked intricacies of the Revolutionary War.
The film addresses how this historical event serves as a poignant reminder of social and political dynamics that continue to echo in modern America. As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Burns hopes to inspire viewers to reflect on the core ideals of citizenship and democracy, suggesting that today’s struggles for freedom mirror those of the past.
“This is a big deal moment,” Burns remarked, highlighting the brutal and complex reality of the revolution, challenging audiences to appreciate not only the fight for independence but the significant human cost involved in such a struggle. The full documentary is set to air on PBS on November 16, presenting an opportunity for viewers to reconnect with the powerful lessons of history as they remain relevant today.