Ken Burns “Dust Bowl” Film To Preview In Guymon

The Oklahoma Network (OETA) is going to provide a special sneak-peek preview and screening of a film that really hits home for many people or those with ancestors that grew up in the Panhandle.

Ken Burns’ film The Dust Bowl will be holding a sneak peek screening on Nov. 1 at the Guymon High School auditorium.

The OETA is very excited about the screening in Guymon and the screening here is one that Burns put together specifically for Oklahoma audiences and those in the Oklahoma Panhandle that were so close to it.

“Guymon is really featured in the film,” said Director of Communications for OETA, Ashley Barcum. “Ken Burns kind of called it ‘Ground Zero’ for the dust bowl for that area.”

They worked with conservation themes throughout the film and have partnered with Oklahoma Conservation Partnership to do six screenings across the state, leading up to the premier on Nov. 18 and 19 on OETA that air at 7 p.m.

A panel discussion will follow the screening with a panel of dust bowl survivors, including one from the Panhandle who is featured in the film and consulted on the film. She will be there to share her thoughts and speak of the film and her experiences.

Clay Pope with Oklahoma Association Conservation District will be talking about the conservation piece of the Panhandle and current conditions today. A Soil Scientist from the USDA will also be there to discuss conditions and important information during the panel discussion.

“We are hoping everyone can come out and see the film,” said Barcum. “If they have any questions about current conditions, everything from the history to what is going on now, there will be a Q & A that the panel can help with.”

Barcum also said there will be plenty of information and resources placed on a table that will provide more information and help answer some of the audience’s questions.

“It fits perfectly with us partnering with these conservations,” said Barcum, “and of course Guymon is pretty much in the heart of where this story takes place, so we are really excited to come to Guymon and hope everyone is able to come out.”

So far the record audience for the screenings is topping 500 people in Altus, so they are hoping the Guymon area will be able to top that.

Reservations aren’t necessary as there will be plenty of room for anyone who would like to attend. The screening will be at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Guymon High School auditorium and the questions and discussion will immediately follow.

For more information and questions, call 405-841-9212.