Screening Kit

Host a Screening of The Vietnam War

“The Vietnam War was a decade of agony that took the lives of more than 58,000 Americans,” Burns said. “Not since the Civil War have we as a country been so torn apart. “ -Ken Burns

Stories and discussions in our communities can move us toward understanding and healing.

Your veterans’ group, library, or community organization can host a public screening and discussion of Ken Burns’ The Vietnam War using a “highlights DVD” from the film as a centerpiece.

How long is The Vietnam War highlights DVD?

The highlights DVD is approximately 60 minutes long.

How do I get The Vietnam War highlights DVD so I can host a screening?

Contact Katy Beem at katy.beem@sdpb.org or call 1-800-456-0766. Let us know where, how and when you plan to show the screening, and SDPB will send the DVD to you, free-of-charge.

How can I publicize my screening?

You can dowload a customizable The Vietnam War 11x17 poster to advertise your screening here. The Vietnam War 11x17 poster (6.3 MB) . SDPB also has templates of press releases and social media images available that you can modify to promote your event that we are happy to share. Please contact Katy Beem at katy.beem@sdpb.org or call 1-800-456-0766.

You can also share your screening on your social media pages.

Also, let SDPB help you spread the word by listing your screening on the Events Calendar at SDPB.org.

How should I prepare for the screening?

For smaller audiences, a television and a DVD player may suffice. For larger audiences, you may want to use a laptop, projector, speakers and a screen.

Consider inviting an individual to speak at your screening. The Vietnam War contains interviews with multiple experiences and perspectives from the Vietnam War Era: Vietnam War veterans; Gold Star families; anti-war activists; Vietnamese individuals who fought in and witnessed the war in their country. Inviting a member or members of these communities can promote broad discussion and opportunities for learning.

If you’d like to hold a discussion afterward, you can download  The Vietnam War Discussion Guide (365.9 KB) which offers questions for generating dialog.

What else can I do if I host a screening?

Drop us a line! SDPB would love to hear from you. Email Katy Beem at katy.beem@sdpb.org and let us know how many people attended your screening, highlights of the discussion, and viewer response to the highlights DVD! Your feedback will help us better serve your community!