Realtor and Founder of Key West Literary Seminar Lynn Kaufelt is one of the many locals featured in the new documentary “Key West: 200 Years of History & Culture” premiering on April 15 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Parade Grounds at Fort East Martello Museum.  The documentary details 200 years of the island’s history (Photo Credit: Michael J. Kirk)

“Key West: 200 Years of History & Culture” Documentary World Premiere at Fort East Martello

April 5, 2022 – (KEY WEST, FL).  Key West Art & Historical Society, filmmaker Michael J. Kirk, and Tropic Cinema are hosting a free picnic-style world premiere of the first ever documentary on the history of Key West at the new Parade Grounds adjacent to the Society’s Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard, on April 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  The documentary is titled “Key West: 200 Years of History & Culture” and is an important component of the island’s bicentennial in 2022 and will form part of the Monroe County education curricula when it is donated to the Monroe County School District.

Gates open at 7:00 p.m. and the free world premiere will begin at 8:00 p.m.  The Society encourages attendees to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers while they relax under the stars and enjoy the film.  No public parking is available at the venue, and it is urged that attendees ride bicycles, use ride share, or plan alternative transportation.

Key West’s celebrated musician Nick Norman will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. to perform select original songs before the film.  The audience will then be treated to the 90-minute documentary that explores the rich and valuable history of the island city through images, interviews, and historical narrative – a story that will be brought to life on the screen.  Starting with the Native American inhabitants, the film considers the many years of successes, series of migrations, hardships, and natural disasters that have shaped this incredible and resilient city during the last two centuries.

Executive Producers of the film are Jean Carper and Blake Hunter, while the film’s director is Michael J. Kirk, an award-winning, independent filmmaker who has directed, produced, and written over 140 projects in the past 25 years.  His projects have aired on public and commercial television networks, including PBS, History Channel, A&E, The Weather Channel, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.

Kirk deftly weaves together stories through the island’s historical events and periods after accessing treasured historic records and objects from personal collections as well as museum and library archives.  Graphics and animation provided by Conch 5 Studios at Key West High School further engage the audience throughout the film, allowing for a deeper appreciation and understanding of our history.

For more information, visit www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events or contact Society curator Cori Convertito at 305-295-6616 x112.  The film is sponsored in part by The Miami Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and Historic Tours of America, in addition to several individual donors.

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