‘Agnes’ flood documentary premieres at F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on 50th anniversary, June 23
From a press release:
“Agnes,” a new 90-minute documentary, will premiere on Thursday, June 23 at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, one of the many buildings caught in the devastating flood throughout Wilkes-Barre five decades ago.
The film was produced in cooperation with the Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society to note the 50th anniversary of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Agnes, which resulted in much flooding of the Wyoming Valley in June of 1972 and, at the time, was considered the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States.
Though Agnes affected other communities along the East Coast and Pennsylvania, the documentary focuses on the Wyoming Valley, which was the hardest hit by the floods. It includes new interviews, photographs, archived video from local TV stations, radio broadcasts, newspapers, and national news network coverage that has not been seen in 50 years. The film also highlights the resiliency and spirit of the people of the Wyoming Valley and the fortitude that was shown in putting the community back together.
This one-time showing at the F.M. Kirby Center (71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre) will take place 50 years to the day that the Agnes flood struck the region. Showtime is at 7 p.m.
The film was edited and co-directed by Tim Novotney. Bob Savakinus served as co-director, and Tony Brooks served as a historical consultant. It was written and narrated by Alan K. Stout, who is also an executive producer.
“‘Agnes’ is a project we’ve been working on for quite some time,” said Stout, the executive director of Visit Luzerne County.
“But when we met with Bob and Tim back in the summer of 2020, we knew we found the right people to not only get it done, but get it done in time for the 50th anniversary. Working with them, and with Tony and the Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society, has been a great team effort. And there has been tremendous support from the community, without which the film would not have been possible.”
Tickets for the June 23 premiere of “Agnes,” which are $10, go on sale today at 10 a.m. at the F.M. Kirby Center box office. They can also be purchased by phone by calling 570-826-1100. Those who purchase tickets by phone will have the option of having their tickets mailed to them.
“This film serves as a tribute to our community,” Stout emphasized.
“Though Agnes and the floods might be the stars of the film, the heroes of the film are the people of the Wyoming Valley of 1972. And for many of us, that was our parents and our grandparents.”
