Cover documentary, made by prof. Ephraim Smith.

`The Journal of American History` published a positive review of the documentary Power for the Parkinsons, made by prof. Ephraim Smith. This re-visit documentary tells the story of the production and impact of Joris Ivens` documentary Power and the Land (1940). Prof. Smith started his research about Ivens` film in 2007 and for this purpose visited the Ivens archive in Nijmegen. His film has been broadcasted in various states and universities in the US.

 

The review, written by James I. Deutsch (Smithsonian Institution) reads: `Power and the Land (1940) was one of the most influential government-produced films to emerge from the New Deal.` When this film was commissioned by the Rural Electrification Administration of the US Ministery of Agriculture only a quarter of all farms enjoyed electricity. Ivens` film aimed for convincing farmers to start cooperatives, which could provide farms electricity. For this reason Ivens needed a convincing family to act in his documentary drama. He selected and found the Parkinson family, who reminded him of his own family in The Netherlands. After the shooting started in August 1939 Ivens bonded closely with the Parkinson family. Due to their natural talent Ivens was able to realize his ideal of a personalized documentary, reaching 6 Million viewers nationwide (distribution RKO). Although all six family members passed away Ephraim Smith succeeded in tracing grandchildren and relatives. The interviews with these descendants and with some scholars provided a cultural and historical framework.
Deutsch also recommends to study the website: www.powerfortheparkinsons.com


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