Episode four of the Ken Burns documentary, “The American Revolution” is entitled “Conquer by a Drawn Game.” It covers a lot of territory, but quite a bit of the action transpires in upstate New York, where one of the most consequential battles of the American War for Independence takes place.

Not only was the Battle of Saratoga a resounding defeat for the British— General Burgoyne surrendered his entire army of more than 6,000 men— but it convinced France to enter the war on the side of the Americans and turned the conflict into one of international scale.

The episode also features another New York battle, this one at Oriskany, where British and Americans clash, with both sides depending heavily on their Native American allies. This part of the story not only illustrates the way the war tore communities apart by forcing residents to choose a side, often pitting neighbor against neighbor, but also tore the Iroquois nation apart, as each of the tribes in the confederacy chose a side. While most sided with the British, the Oneida decided to aid the Americans, and they ultimately paid dearly for it.

There is much more to episode four, too, as it takes the viewer from January 1777 through February of 1778, and is overall one of the best of the six parts of the series. It even features footage shot at Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History in Narrowsburg, NY when a Florentine Films crew spent three days there during the summer of 2024.

For those reasons, episode four of “The American Revolution” has been chosen as the central piece in the upcoming Revolutionary War Film Festival put together by the Sullivan County Semiquincentennial Commission. The festival runs from April 24 – 26 at the Narrowsburg Union. It is being offered free of charge thanks to its sponsors, The Delaware Company, the Narrowsburg Union, and the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance. Pre-registration is required for each session, and seating is limited. Those interested in attending should email info@thedelawarecompany.org for more information and to register for one or more of the sessions.

Friday, April 24 features the 1988 film, April Morning. The session begins with a complimentary social hour at 6 p.m., followed by a short introduction to the film and the screening at 7 p.m. A short Q&A will follow the movie. The evening should wrap up by 9:30. April Morning stars Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Urich, Chad Lowe and Rip Torn. It tells the story of the start of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord by focusing on the lives of the families that lived there, vividly portraying the impact events beyond their control bring upon them. It is a poignant story not unlike what transpired later in the war in the Upper Delaware Valley.

On Saturday, April 25, episode 4 of “The American Revolution” screens. Again, the session begins with a complimentary social hour at 6 p.m., followed by a short introduction to the episode and the screening at 7 p.m. A short Q&A will follow.

Sunday afternoon, April 26 features the popular 2000 film, The Patriot with Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, and a terrific supporting cast including Chris Cooper, Jason Isaacs, Joely Richardson, and Tom Wilkinson. The session begins with a complimentary social hour at 2 p.m., followed by a short introduction to the film and the screening at 3 p.m. Due to the length of this movie, there will also be a brief intermission. A short Q&A will follow the movie.

In addition to the movies, the refreshments, and the insights provided by the introductions, the film festival will also feature re-enactors and exhibits and merchandise for sale.

Prospective participants are asked to keep in mind that while these events are free of charge, they must pre-register for each session. In other words, you cannot just show up. For more information and to register, email info@thedelawarecompany.org.

The Revolutionary War Film Festival is the first of many events scheduled this year to celebrate the Semiquincentennial. Prominent among the other scheduled events is the Battle of Minisink Weekend being planned for the weekend of July 17 – 19 at the Minisink Battleground Park in Barryville. While details are still being worked out, the weekend will feature exhibits, demonstrations, encampments, music, and food, as well as the annual commemoration of the Battle of Minisink, which will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. New York State Historian Devin Lander will be the keynote speaker.

Also planned for that weekend is the dedication of a new life size bronze Minuteman statue at the battleground, and the opening of the Town of Highland time capsule, which was “buried” in 1976. For more information on these and other upcoming Semiquincentennial events, please like and follow the Sullivan County Rev War Semiquincentennial Facebook page and check out the new website, sullivanny250.org.

John Conway is the Sullivan County Historian and the President of The Delaware Company. He is co-chair of the Sullivan County Semiquincentennial Commission. Email him at jconway52@hotmail.com.