Screening - Raising Lady Liberty

“Raising Lady Liberty”

As part of the America250+ celebrations, Villa Albertine and American University invite you to a special screening of Raising Lady Liberty, followed by a discussion exploring the extraordinary story behind one of the world's most iconic monuments.

About the Film

For nearly 150 years, the Statue of Liberty has stood at the entrance to New York Harbor, welcoming millions who have come to the United States in search of a new life. Yet behind this universal symbol lies an extraordinary human story of ambition and Franco-American collaboration.

Raising Lady Liberty takes audiences on a transatlantic journey from 1865 to the Statue of Liberty's inauguration in 1886. Drawing on previously unseen documents and new sources, the film brings this extraordinary story to life through cinematic storytelling and immersive 3D reconstructions. It reveals the ingenuity of Gustave Eiffel, the bold fundraising campaign led by Joseph Pulitzer, and the involvement of Tiffany & Co., shedding light on the determination and challenges behind this historic achievement.

Discussion

Following the screening, a fireside chat will explore the history of the Statue of Liberty, its enduring significance as a symbol of Franco-American friendship, and its deep connection to the history of immigration and the generations who have looked to its shores as a symbol of new possibilities.

The discussion will feature:

Edward Berenson, Professor of History at New York University and author of The Statue of Liberty: A Transatlantic Story

Stephen Segaller, Vice-President of Programming at The WNET Group

Stéphane Millière, President of GEDEON Media Group and Producer

The conversation will be moderated by Ernesto Castañeda, Professor and Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies at American University.

This event is presented in partnership with the French-American Cultural Foundation, GEDEON Programmes, The WNET Group, ARTE, La Fondation des États-Unis, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the New York Union League Club.