During the month of February, the virtual Capitol Hill in Second Life is hosting an historical film festival, featuring some educational and entertaining public domain movies from the archive.

Playing on the main screens in the assembly hall and at the base of the stairs is “The Powers of Congress” from 1947, showing citizens of the day a surreal depiction of what life in America would be like if Congress did not exist.

Other short films are showing at each of the 6 pavilions in the southern area. The films, made from the 1930’s to the 1960’s, are inspired by the legislative issue profiled at each of the pavilions. They provide a perspective on the times in which they were made, and aren’t there to ply any particular point of view.

A sign at the base of the stairs to the south of the assembly hall dispenses a notecard describing the festival, as well as a bucket of popcorn. Enjoy!