Anniston, AL — Jacksonville State University’s Longleaf Studios invites the public to a special screening of its newest documentary, McClellan, A Life Saved, on Friday, June 6, at the Anniston Museum of Natural History Auditorium. The free event opens with a reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by the film screening at 6:30 p.m., and concludes with a panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. featuring key individuals involved in the documentary’s creation.
The documentary takes viewers on a powerful journey through the history and rebirth of Fort McClellan. Once a vital military installation in Alabama, the fort’s closure in 1999 could have signaled its decline. Instead, McClellan, A Life Saved explores how the site became a model for successful base reuse in the United States.
Through poignant interviews and captivating footage, the film showcases McClellan’s transformation—from a symbol of military life to a thriving community hub, now home to diverse organizations including a stringed instrument maker, an emergency response training center, and a new movie studio owned by actor and comedian Katt Williams.
Produced by Longleaf Studios in partnership with Water Tower Films for Alabama Public Television, the film highlights JSU’s mission to preserve and promote Alabama’s unique stories. It reflects the collaborative talents of JSU students, faculty, and filmmakers committed to powerful storytelling rooted in Southern culture and history.
For those unable to attend the in-person event, McClellan, A Life Saved also premiered statewide on Alabama Public Television on May 22 and May 25 at 8 p.m.
Watch the official trailer here:
