AFI was founded in the White House Rose Garden and returns to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a landmark American film – TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.
Today, AFI screens the movie in the White House Family Theater to an audience of school children and other special guests. And on Saturday, April 7, the President will introduce a national telecast of the film at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on USA Network – a gift from NBCUniversal to America. It will be a moment for movie-lovers across the country to come together to experience and re-experience a story that is as powerful today as when it premiered in 1962.
The film stars Gregory Peck, who also served as AFI's Founding Chairman. His portrayal of Atticus Finch embodies the film's themes of family and fatherhood - justice and equality. In 2003, AFI named Atticus the greatest hero in the history of American film, and he stands tall there today, challenging us to stand for what's right…no matter the cost.
As an AFI Insider, we hope you share our pride in this national event – one that underscores our shared belief that movies matter.