Search Museum of the Moving Image

EVENT, SCREENING

The Reagan Show

Ongoing

Location: Redstone Theater

With directors Sierra Pettengill and Pacho Velez in person, and presidential historian Tim Naftali, moderated by Brian Stelter, host of Reliable Sources

Dirs. Sierra Pettengill, Pacho Velez. Masterfully assembled from a treasure trove of archival footage, the incisive and entertaining new documentary The Reagan Show reveals the workings of Reagan’s carefully produced made-for-TV approach to politics, as he faces down America’s greatest rival at the time, the Soviet Union. As Reagan confronts the equally charismatic Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Communicator-in-Chief Michael Deaver uses his public relations skills to hone the president’s image as a powerful world leader. Filmmakers Sierra Pettengill and Pacho Velez will discuss their unique cinematic approach, and CNN presidential historian Tim Naftali will offer perspective, looking at the impact of the Reagan presidency and at our long-running national obsession with Russia. 

Free preview screening. Register here for preview tickets