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"This outstanding film about America's bridges could not have come at a better time, showing the importance of infrastructure to a nation's economy, culture, and sense of self-worth"
HENRY PETROSKI, Duke University / Author Engineers of Dreams
"...Our failure to maintain these bridges threatens our future."
EGON TERPLAN, Regional Planning Director SPUR
A Film by Basia + Leonard Myszynski
Celebrates master engineer Ralph Modjeski, 20th century strategically significant bridges and their impact on urban development and commerce. A tribute to innovative engineering, fabricators and bridge workers during two eras of transit. Taking a deeper look at the scientific mind and artistic soul of a Polish-born Paris-trained immigrant who contributed to the building of a modern America. The melding of science + art, music + math, and the bonding between Mother + Son, Mother Earth and Man's ability to challenge himself. As every building and every street has its unique story to tell and connection to our past, bridges have their stories, their mysteries, and links to their communities. Record-breaking spans and riveting stories – the monolithic Ben Franklin in Philadelphia, the controversial Bay Bridge in San Francisco/Oakland, the New Orleans politics behind the Huey P. Long Bridge and the Quebec Bridge catastrophe and reconstruction. Dramatic helicopter aerials and drone-operated cameras capture the beauty and the immensity of these structures, treacherous waterways and major cities, with powerful testaments from experts on Modjeski’s role in the creation of railroad and highway bridges in transportation history. BRIDGING URBAN AMERICA is a relevant film that brings awareness to all generations about the deteriorating state of our bridges and how communities search for sustainable solutions to maintain, rehabilitate and preserve these critical parts of North America's infrastructure. Bridge enthusiasts, American history buffs, engineers + architects as well as those interested in celebrity, music and entrepreneurship of the early 20th century will find this documentary a magnificent cinematic experience. The power to build, influence and progress.
Produced by Filmmakers Basia + Leonard Myszynski of sOlar eye communications
Co-produced by Modjeski and Masters, Inc., National Steel Bridge Alliance and US-Polish Trade Council in association with New York State Bridge Authority, Oregon Institute of Technology and Sharon + Ed Wortman
Original film score by Tomasz Opalka
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SAN FRANCISCO / Oakland - Original East Span no longer in existence - Bay Bridge story - Production Crew + Creative
New Orleans - Filmmakers prepping for aerial filming over Huey P. Long Bridge and Mississippi River
Louisiana Dept. of Transportation and Development with Secretary Sherri LeBas on camera
Celebration of Huey P. Long widening and rededication of bridge - Opening Ceremonies
Rock Island - DP Leonard filming Government Bridge aerials over Mississippi River
Quebec - Interviews with Quebec Bridge historian L'Hébreux and Engineer Guy Felio - Le Château Frontenac
Quebec / Canada - John Stacey of Kahnawake Mohawks interviewing at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Harrisburg PA - Thomas Murphy of Modjeski and Masters displays original Ben Franklin Bridge blueprints from company archives
Washington DC - Modjeski descendant David Pattison researching at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institute - Exploring family history and connections
