Perspectives of Vietnam - A Film and Discussion Series

By Nicholle Gerharter, Reference Librarian

September 6 , 2006

This fall, Natrona County Public Library will continue its tradition of hosting in-depth film and discussion series.  These events allow attendees to view well-crafted films and discuss the implications raised in them.  Beginning September 7th and continuing on following Thursdays, the library presents “Perspectives of Vietnam,” a six-part series.  This staff-created series is not a play-by-play of the battles, warfare, or controversy of this conflict that shaped much of an American generation.  Rather, the selected films present alternate, more personal aspects of the Vietnam conflict, many of which continue to touch lives today.  Participants are encouraged to share their own perspectives of this volatile time in history. 

September 7, 6:30 p.m. – “Reporting America at War”
-Through the lens of their experiences, this film examines the challenges to frontline reporters and illuminates the role of the correspondent in shaping the way wars have been remembered and understood.

September 14, 6:30 p.m. – “Two Days in October”
-Based on the book “They Marched into Sunlight”, this moving film examines the critical events that took place in the turbulent fall of 1967.  Told entirely by the people who took part in the harrowing events of those two days -- American soldiers, police officers, relatives of men killed in battle, protesting students, university administrators and Viet Cong fighters -- the film offers a window onto a moment that divided a nation and a war that continues to haunt us.

September 21, 6:30 p.m. – “Beyond the Medal of Honor: Drew Dix, the Green Beret, Army Special Forces”
-A story told in detail through interviews with the medal recipient, family and colleagues with compelling footage from the National Archive.

September 28, 6:30 p.m. – “Return With Honor”
-The story of American fighter pilots shot down over North Vietnam and their dramatic transformation from self-confident “Top Gun” type aviators to prisoners-of-war.  Their moving accounts are combined with archival footage from Vietnam and the United States to create an inspiring tale of personal heroism. 

October 5, 6:30 p.m. – “Be Good, Smile Pretty”
-A powerfully moving, personal exploration of grief for the father she never knew, Be Good, Smile Pretty is a testament to the terrible loss that accompanies war, and the grief that continues to resonate for decades to come.

October 12, 6:30 p.m. – “Daughter from Danang”
-What seems like the cue for a happy ending is anything but, as Heidi and her Vietnamese relatives are caught in a heart-wrenching clash of cultures.  Through intimate and sometimes excruciating moments, Daughter from Danang profoundly shows how wide the chasms of cultural difference and how deep the wounds of war can run--even within one family.

In addition to this patron-requested film series, Natrona County Public Library is proud to announce another oft-requested service this fall.  Beginning Monday, September 11, your library will provide extended evening hours, allowing for longer reading, browsing, researching, and Internet surfing.  Winter hours are:

Monday thru Thursday 10am – 9pm
Friday, Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 5pm

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