Enjoy the premiere of FMR's documentary, "Rebirth," at the Guthrie! [SOLD OUT. Join the waitlist or sign up for screening notices]

In the '70s, from the deck of his boat The Turtle, St. Paul resident and community leader Tom Kelley fell in love with the Mississippi River. Looking beyond its polluted waters and industrial banks, Kelley saw both what it once had been and could be again: America's river and the thrumming heartbeat of the Twin Cities. He pulled friends and colleagues aboard The Turtle, sharing his favorite river stretches and passion, and slowly, steadily built a small community of supporters. These river visionaries worked locally, then nationally and across party lines. Despite long odds, their dedication paid off. In 1988, Congress enacted by federal law the recognition and protection of the 72-mile Twin Cities stretch of the Mississippi River as a national park. More than a change in the river's legal status, the designation was a tipping point in the river's history, successfully turning the current of public opinion towards protecting and restoring the health and vitality of the Mighty Mississippi in the Twin Cities.

Join us to learn the full story at the national premier of "Rebirth: The Mississippi's National Park" April 7th at the Guthrie Theater. An informal reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by the program 7-8:30 p.m. (Admission is free, but advance registration is required. We are currently taking a waiting list.)

About the film

Produced for FMR by award-winning local filmmaker John Kaul and narrated by 89.3 The Current's Steve Seel, this 30-minute documentary tells the story of how one man’s vision — combined with smart citizen advocacy, effective political leadership and a small, dedicated group of supporters — created the Mississippi River's first and only national park. This designation, championed at the federal level by Sen. David Durenberger and Rep. Bruce Vento, sparked the local river renaissance we enjoy today — a river that is thriving with fish and bald eagles, a river increasingly connected to our communities via parks and trails, a river seen as an asset instead of a convenient dumping ground. As we face new challenges like agricultural pollution, development pressure and habitat degradation, this story also reminds us of the powerful, long-term impact citizen-based stewardship and advocacy can have on the natural wonders we love.

About the premiere [Full, but a waitlist is being taken]

FMR is delighted to premiere 'Rebirth' at the Guthrie Theater overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. We are also proud to help celebrate the National Park Service's Centennial with our local Mississippi National River & Recreation Area (MNRRA) national park unit.

The evening begins with an informal reception at 6 p.m. (optional) featuring a cash bar and light hors d'oeuvres and giving everyone time to claim their seat. We expect a full house!

The formal program begins at 7 p.m. It will feature a brief introduction before the film's premiere followed by a panel discussion and audience Q & A with Sen. Durenberger; Rep. Betty McCollum; Dr. John Anfinson, MNRAA superintendent; Tom Reiter, the film’s researcher and photographer; filmmaker John Kaul; and Whitney Clark, FMR executive director.

Sign up for the waitlist 

Thank you for your interest in joining us for the premiere event at the Guthrie. Tickets have now sold out. However, if you add your name to the waiting list we will contact you if tickets become available. 
 

Airdates and future showings

FMR is proud to partner with Twin Cities Public Television to bring this first-of-its-kind documentary about our local national park to a broader audience. Enjoy it Sunday, May 1, 7 p.m. on TPT, Twin Cities PBS!

Otherwise, we'd be happy to email you when more screenings are scheduled.