Wilkes University students, faculty and staff are invited to a screening of Agnes, the critically acclaimed documentary about the 1972 flood, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Millennium Circle at the River Common in Wilkes-Barre. The screening is free and open to the public. Attendees should bring blankets and lawn chairs.
The screening offers a rare chance to see Agnes. The premier in June 2022 sold out at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts and three screenings were added. The documentary made the rounds at area colleges, including Wilkes University, and local school district assemblies. Due to contractual obligations, Agnes has not been televised and all DVDs are sold out.
Following discussions with community leaders, the creative team behind the film — Alan K. Stout, executive producer, Tim Novotney and Rob Savakinus, directors, and Tony Brooks, historical consultant — agreed to bring Agnes back for a public viewing annually around the flood’s anniversary. This year’s screening, planned for Riverfest in June, was postponed due to thunderstorms. “Ironically, it was rained out,” said Stout.
Working with John Maday, executive director of the Riverfront Parks Committee, the film team was able to reschedule to share a glimpse into this pivotal event in Wilkes-Barre history. This screening also provides a unique opportunity to see the film from the riverbank where the historic disaster occurred and the sandbaggers fought to hold the river back.
For Stout, an area native, this project has roots in his personal history. “This flood was one of the first memories of my life,” he said. “The images of that summer are still ones I’ll never forget.”
In his role as executive producer, Stout wrote the script and raised the funds needed for production. The idea was inspired by commemorative books containing photos of the Wyoming Valley during and after the 1972 flood. Stout worked to obtain permission to use the photos from the photographers or their families. He also reached out to local and national news outlets to obtain footage.
Whether members of the Wilkes community grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania or not, Stout believes they will connect with the documentary, either as part of their family history or part of the history of the area where they now live, learn, work and play. And he hopes they’ll connect with the people, like Wilkes students, faculty and staff, who came together to help the area clean up and rebound. “The story is the people,” said Stout. “The flood is the star of the movie, but the people are the heroes.”
