WVIA to Screen Original Documentary

Join WVIA for a free screening and discussion of Agnes 50: Life After the Flood with award-winning WVIA filmmaker Alexander Monelli and other special guests on Tuesday, August 9^th at 6 p.m. at the Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston. 

Free reservations can be found at: wvia.org/agnes

About Agnes 50: Life After the Flood

What have we learned in the years since Agnes? WVIA’s new documentary explores improvements made by communities along the Susquehanna River, including Berwick, Bloomsburg, Danville, Forty Fort, Milton, West Pittston, Selinsgrove, Tunkhannock, Towanda, and Wilkes-Barre. 

Various officials, residents, and community leaders share memories of Agnes, describe how their towns were affected, and discuss the work that has been done over the years to mitigate the adverse effects of future flooding. Interviewees include David DeCosmo (former WYOU news broadcaster), Andrew Stuhl (professor at Bucknell University), Lara Fowler (professor at Penn State University), Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney, Jim Charles (Selinsgrove Flood Task Force), Chris Belleman (Executive Director, Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority), among others.

“This documentary is really about the people of the Susquehanna watershed and how we’re all connected,” said the film’s director Alexander Monelli. “What one town does to mitigate flooding may impact another town downstream. The film raises questions about our responsibility to our own community, our neighbors downstream, and nature as a whole. I’ve met so many fascinating people while filming, and I can’t wait to share this documentary with everyone.”

“The Jewish Community Alliance of NEPA is all about strengthening our community. Part of our mission is to collaborate and partner with like-minded agencies. To have the opportunity to partner with WVIA on this project was a no-brainer. We are fortunate to host this event at the JCC by honoring the people of this valley, who lived through this hurricane and who fought through it” said Gary Bernstein, CEO of the Friedman Jewish Community Center.

“As the region’s premier storytellers, we believe sharing the stories of Hurricane Agnes and the communities affected will help shine a light for future generations to learn from,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer.