Hillsdale lands theatrical release for 'Revolutionary America' doc
April 17, 2026
New documentary marks first theatrical release for Hillsdale College's Hillsdale Studios.
Hillsdale College, a small liberal arts institution in Michigan, has secured a nationwide theatrical release for its first feature-length documentary, "Revolutionary America." The film, produced by the college's own Hillsdale Studios, will be shown in theaters across the country for a limited run from May 31 to June 2, 2026. This marks a significant step for the college, moving its educational content from online platforms to the big screen through a distribution partnership with Fathom Entertainment, a leading specialty distributor.
"Revolutionary America" explores the period of the American Revolution between 1763 and 1791, with the goal of examining the political principles that motivated the Founding Fathers. Narrated by actor Tom Selleck, the documentary aims to provide audiences with a deeper understanding of the conflict and the sacrifices made for American independence. The timing of the release is intentional, as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence. The film's executive producer, Jeremiah Regan, who also directs online learning at Hillsdale, stated that the movie is intended to help Americans comprehend the purpose and nature of the Revolution.
The documentary features a number of scholars and public figures associated with the college and its conservative-leaning educational mission. Interview subjects include Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn and several of the college's faculty members, such as Wilfred McClay, Paul Moreno, and Thomas West. The film also includes commentary from public thought leaders like Michael J. Knowles and Eric Metaxas. According to producers, the documentary uses primary source accounts, an original score, and visual effects to create an experience that is both educational and engaging for viewers.
This theatrical debut is a major development for Hillsdale Studios. While the college has a history of producing documentary-style series for its extensive free online course library, which has reached over 5.3 million students, "Revolutionary America" is its first project intended for a cinema audience. Previous productions, such as series on "Colonial America" and "Marxism, Socialism, and Communism," were created as part of the college's educational outreach efforts. This venture into theaters signifies a broader ambition for its media productions.
The partnership with Fathom Entertainment, which specializes in bringing unique content and events to movie theaters and is co-owned by major cinema chains, provides Hillsdale with access to a wide national audience. This distribution deal allows a relatively small academic institution to present its historical and political perspective in hundreds of commercial theaters, a platform usually reserved for major film studios. For Hillsdale, the theatrical run provides an opportunity to extend its educational mission and influence beyond its student body and online followers, directly into the public square for a nationwide cultural discussion.
Source: detroitnews