Docmentary featured at Villisca Heritage Days
VILLISCA — A pair of award-winning filmmakers will appear in Villisca this weekend for an exclusive showing of their new documentary on one-room schoolhouses.
As part of the 24th annual Villisca Heritage Days, the documentary “One Room-One Nation,” will screen at the Rialto Theatre in Villisca on Friday at 7 p.m., and at 2 p.m. Saturday. A 6 p.m. opening reception, including refreshments, proceeds Friday night’s showing.
A question and answer session will follow both days with filmmakers Tammy and Kelly Rundle.
The film features one-room schools throughout the Midwest, as well as interviews with former students and scholars.
From immigration issues in early schools to the controversial demise of their use in the 1950s and 1960s, the film combines visually stunning images of restored and decaying buildings, including one designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, with humorous and heartwarming stories from former teachers and students.
Filming took place in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois and Wisconsin.
The documentary premiered at the State Historical Building in Des Moines and won awards from the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, Silos and Smoke-stacks National Heritage Area and the Country School Association of America.
The filmmakers previously produced the documentaries “Lost Nation: The Ioway,” and “Villisca: Living with a Mystery.”
Heritage Day Activities
This documentary helped set the tone for this year’s Heritage Days celebration, which features a theme of “Education and Schools — Then and Now.”
Friday night, various class reunions will take place throughout the community.
On Saturday, a parade starts at 10 a.m., followed by games and entertainment in the park.
A street dance is scheduled for 9 p.m.
Sunday, an interchurch worship service starts at 10 a.m. in the park. At the same time, golfers tee off in a tournament at the city golf course.
The Chamber of Commerce will host their annual barbecue at the football field at 6:30 p.m., with The Giblers providing entertainment.
At dusk, the fireworks display begins.