The public is invited to a free screening & discussion
A love for America shown through the lens of a camera; documentary photographer Carol Highsmith’s passion for both shines through in Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s (LPB) new original documentary, CAPTURING AMERICA: THE CAROL HIGHSMITH STORY. As the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Louisiana audiences will be the first to see the film before its national release when LPB premieres the documentary on Monday, June 29 at 7:00 PM.
Audiences can also experience the film on a big screen and meet Carol herself at a free community screening event planned for Wednesday, July 1 at 5:00 PM at the beautiful Louisiana Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge. The screening is free, but registration is required as seating is limited. Visit www.lpb.org/capturingamerica to sign up.
The 80-year-old Highsmith’s love for America began at a young age while traveling across the country by car. “I was a nomad from the moment go,” says Highsmith.
Her love of photography led her on a lifelong mission to document America by photographing people and places in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. More than 40 years later, after countless miles traveled, Highsmith has built a collection expected to surpass 100,000 images. Her remarkable archive is housed at the Library of Congress and made available copyright-free and royalty-free to the public. “By documenting the present, she’s making sure that people can know the past in a way that only photography can communicate because it freezes time,” says Helena Zinkham, Chief of the Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.
The documentary slowly reveals Carol’s personal story as audiences come to understand the motivation behind her generous gift and share her love for America.
“LPB was first introduced to Carol back in 2023 when she collaborated with us on the photography companion book for our documentary, WHY LOUISIANA AIN’T MISSISSIPPI… OR ANY PLACE ELSE!,” says LPB President and CEO Clarence “C.C” Copeland. “Her photographs captured the truth and beauty of our state. Now, LPB is pleased to share her story with audiences across the country, with some Louisiana flavor thrown in, of course.”
“Seeing the beauty and diversity of America through Carol’s eyes will renew viewers’ love for our country, especially as we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary,” adds LPB Executive Producer Linda Midgett. “It’s a special honor to share Carol’s fascinating life story and the magnitude of her work to a nationwide audience through PBS.”
Attendees at the free screening event will have an opportunity to meet Carol and her husband and travel partner Ted Landphair in person, along with independent filmmaker Kristen Akers Gozdecki and Director of Photography Paul Jacobson, who will participate in a post-screening Q&A discussion. There is also a planned special musical performance by acclaimed New Orleans jazz artist John Boutté, who is featured in the film.
Learn more about CAPTURING AMERICA: THE CAROL HIGHSMITH STORY, explore Carol’s photography, and register for the free screening event at www.lpb.org/capturingamerica.
Major support for the screening event is provided by St. James Place, with additional support from AARP Louisiana and DEMCO.
Capturing America: The Carol Highsmith Story was made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting with additional funding provided by George Landegger and Diane Wallach.
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