Movie Stars and Historians Coming to Gettysburg for Film Festival Focused on World War II

(Gettysburg, Pa.) — The third annual Gettysburg Film Festival returns next month to the most famous small town in America with nearly 50 events to engage, educate and entertain cinephiles and history buffs alike. The American Battlefield Trust is a partner of the 2025 festival, focused on "Victory in World War II,” welcoming A-list celebrities and historians to venues across Gettysburg from May 8-11. A complete schedule of events and ticket options is available here. 

“World War II is both a defining moment in American history and a rich subject for filmmakers,” said Festival Director Jake Boritt. “We are excited to have Ken Burns return to Gettysburg along with other filmmakers exploring history that is crucial to a deeper understanding of our American story.”  

“This is a moment for us to come together in a place that holds so much history—a place that has and will continue to guide the nation forward,” added Andrew Dalton, producer of the festival and the president and CEO of the Adams County Historical Society. 

Ken Burns, Martin Sheen, Susan Eisenhower, Trace Adkins, Stephen Lang, and more will headline four full days of events, including da Vinci to D-Day: The Art of Documentary Filmmaking and Band of Brothers: Reflections from Cast, Crew, and Historians, as well as screenings of several World War II-centered films. Trust Chief Historian Garry Adelman, Director of Education and Events Kris White and Education Coordinator Sarah Kay Bierle will be among the esteemed moderators and film screening hosts, providing historical context and conducting interviews with festival guests 

Founded in 2023, The Gettysburg Film Festival showcases American history on screen, from documentaries to feature films and emerging media. Launched and inspired by Ken Burns and his award-winning craft, the festival aims to bring Americans together in a shared appreciation of our history and the stories that make us who we are. Learn more at www.gettysburgfilmfestival.org.

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected nearly 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org. 

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