TPT looks for Vietnam film project funding

Twin Cities Public Television is turning to the Legislature to help fund nearly half of a $1.9 million project focused on a local angle to the Vietnam War.

The House Veterans Affairs Division on Monday approved HF127 that would appropriate $950,000 from the General Fund to help TPT launch what it’s calling the “Vietnam: Minnesota Remembers” project, which will piggyback on a forthcoming 10-part, 18-hour long Ken Burns’ film, “The Vietnam War,” scheduled to air nationwide in September.

TPT officials say they are already investing resources and finding private donors for the project. But if the state doesn’t fund the TPT request, the “Minnesota Remembers” project might not get off the ground.

“This is, as I said, a big project and a big vision,” TPT President Jim Pagliarini said. “But we feel it’s one that will have a lasting impact in Minnesota and beyond.”

The project will tell the stories of Minnesota’s Vietnam veterans in their own words through “speaker, stage and screen.” It is to also include: a documentary on the Hmong population’s involvement in “The Secret War;” theatrical performances of veteran stories; and a digital story wall – personal videos, photos and narrative shared by Minnesotans. The project’s final piece is to include an event honoring veterans outside the State Capitol next year.

WATCH Full video of Monday's meeting of the House Veterans Affairs Division on YouTube

“This Ken Burns series is going to have all of America talking about the war,” Pagliarini said. “It’s going to stimulate questions and awaken memories. And this project is about having a safe place here in Minnesota where those questions can be answered and discussed, where those stories can be told before they’re lost, and finally, honor and thank Minnesota’s Vietnam veterans for their service.”

Because of fears that the House State Government Finance Committee — the bill’s next stop — might not look as positively on using General Fund dollars for the project, Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake), the bill’s sponsor and division chair, said he might look at an alternative to have it funded through the House Legacy Funding Finance Committee.

Lawmakers have to work quickly on the proposal, Dettmer added, because TPT is facing a production time crunch.

The bill’s companion, SF90, sponsored by Sen. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo), awaits action by the Senate State Government Finance and Policy Committee.