A film by Paul Irmiter
“When a man makes his living throwing a baseball, he has to be the best. When that man is an African-American from the South living in the early 20th Century, he has to be better than the best, he has to be John Donaldson.”– 39 Seconds
The Minnesota Historical Society, in conjunction with 612IM, presents the Northside premiere of the film, 39 Seconds, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway. Tickets are $10, or free for Northside residents. Purchase tickets at capri.simpletix.com, or at the door the night of the show. Northsiders (living in zip codes 55411, 55412, 55430) will find their discount promo code at thecapri.org.
39 Seconds, a feature length documentary/live action film, explores a forgotten piece of American history. With a cast composed of the best acting talent in Minnesota, an original score by Jim Oestereich and narration by Payton Woodson, the Capri audience will witness the true-life story of one of the greatest baseball players in the world, John Wesley Donaldson.
After the film, audience members are invited to stay for a Q&A with cast, crew, and Frank White, Minnesota Historical Society author of They Played for the Love of the Game.
39 Seconds was selected for screening in the 2021 Twin Cities Film Fest as well as the Kansas City Film Fest (KCFF) — which named lead actor, Leonard Searcy, as Best Actor.
More info: 39secondsfilm.com; thecapri.org.