Diversity in the Long Gray Line: Film Screening

The Livingston Public Library invites you to join us in the Library’s program room on Wednesday, January 18th at 7pm, for a film screening of “Diversity in the Long Gray Line” (runtime: 30 minutes) followed by a Q&A Discussion. 

This 2019 documentary was produced to recognize West Point’s successful diversity program.  A program designed to maintain its storied reputation for excellence, while developing a diverse cadet community. In 2019, a result of that program was highlighted by the graduation of the 1,000th Jewish cadet.

The West Point Jewish Chapel Fund, an individual organization, undertook the filming project. Working with Filmographer Les Owens’ Treehouse Dreams Films, the project was finished and aired at West Point in 2019.

The film presents male and female cadets of different nationalities and religions working together, and at parades, and activities; all shown against the picturesque background of the Academy. It includes a discussion from graduates from five decades about West Point. 

The film has been met with exciting ecumenical response, winning top honors in a dozen or more festivals in the U.S. and awards in India and Canada. In 2020 it won 2 silver medals from both Telly Awards and Communicator Awards. The film continues to be shown at venues across the country and has been aired on TV in PA. and NJ.

Registration is not required for this event and all are welcome to attend. 

Les Owen, Filmographer, Director, Producer. A multi award winner, Les is a retired army veteran and musician. He was most recently Director of Film and Video at Arlington Cemetery, and his experience and knowledge of the military brought so much to this documentary. His work is accessible on YouTube, and he has now moved into the production of his own films. 

Joel Kampf, Co-Producer. Joel, a Weequahic High School, and West Point graduate joined with Les filming at West Point, coordinating production requirements of USMA, and ensuring compliance. He is a Board Member of the West Point Jewish Chapel and has written and produced documentaries for corporations.