Cinematography: Jason Longo
Music: John Kusiak
Editing: Bernice Schneider
Producer: Marian Marzynski
Production company: American Experience
Source: Leslie Sepuka
WGBH/American Experience
125 Western Ave.
Boston, MA 02134
USA
Phone: +1 617 300 5329
leslie_sepuka@wgbh.org
www.pressroom.wgbh.org
The Revolutionary War may be over, but one of its best-known battles
is still being fought. More than two centuries after the Lexington militiamen
rallied against His Majesty’s regulars at what would become known
as the Battle of Lexington and Concord, sixty-five Redcoats and sixty-seven
colonial patriots face off each April 19 to bring to life the beginning
of the American Revolution.
PATRIOTSDAY follows reenactors as they prepare for and engage in this
annual encounter. The modern-day Lexington Minutemen and their British
counterparts switch between centuries (eighteenth and twenty-first),
roles (military and civilian), and allegiances (revolutionary and loyalist).
They pride themselves on the authenticity of their uniforms and pay
painstaking attention to recreating every detail of the battle. Yet
the realities of twenty-first century life are undeniably part of the
occasion. Chirping cell phones alert powdered-wig wearing commanders
to troop movements. Big yellow school buses transport weary Redcoats
from one encounter with the revolutionaries to the next. Traditional
uniforms are stitched on modern sewing machines. And all the while the
cameras are rolling.
Says Marzynski, “Following the reenactors gave me a new perspective
on patriotism and civic duty. Patriots Day celebrates these ordinary,
inspired lives; their true, far from textbook, passion for history;
their admiration for this country’s humble beginning. Plus, they
have so much fun doing it.”
Marian Marzynski is an award-winning writer/ director / producer over
twenty years. He studied broadcast journalism and film directing at
the University of Warsaw. He works for PBStelevision series such as
Frontline, Nova and American Experience. He also produced for CBS, TBS
and National Geographic. His work earned him two Emmy Awards, a George
Polk Award and an Alfred I duPont-Columbia Silver Baton.
Filmography as Director(selected)
PATRIOTS DAY (2004)
AIR SAFETY: LEARNING FROM TRAGEDY (2001)
KILLER’S TRAIL (1999)
MY RETIREMENT DREAMS (1998)
LIVING IN TALL TREES (1997)
SKIN DEEP (1995)
OUR MAN IN RUSSIA (1993)
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