The Search for the Captain

Running time: 62 mins

World Premiere

In 1987, a 16-foot bronze statue was commissioned for placement in a prominent downtown square in San Jose, California. The statue commemorated the raising of the American Flag and California?s inclusion into the U.S during the Mexican-American War. However, the statue was at the center of a fierce controversy and locked away in a warehouse, never to be seen again?until now.

Captain Thomas Fallon raised the flag in San Jose and not one shot was fired, yet protesters called him a murderer. The Mexican Government was oppressive and many people in California wanted to join the U.S., yet protesters claimed this land stolen. How could a controversy over becoming American be so controversial?

Director Erin McEnery developed an interest very late in the controversy with the 2002 unveiling of the statue?even though her father, Tom McEnery, was San Jose?s mayor at the time it began in 1990. The personal connection appeared to be an asset until something funny happened along the way?no one wanted to deal with it! This is the true story of how one city handled the controversies surrounding the treatment of our history, as well as how the desire to be ?politically correct" can often obscure the truth, invoke great irony, and sometimes, cause irreparable damage.

Screening with:
Chick Magnet; dir. Steve Sprinkles; 10min/DigitBeta/United States ? Shot in and around San Jose, a clever short about a man who has an unnatural attraction to women.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION