Join two Boston local female filmmakers for the premiere screening of “The Man in the Cowboy Hat,” a documentary about anti-war activists and Boston Marathon bombing hero Carlos Arredondo.
“The Man in the Cowboy Hat” is a documentary film about Parkway native Carlos Arredondo, which will premiere at the Copley Boston Public Library on Saturday, March 25 at 2 pm. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A.
The documentary was directed and produced by Jamaica Plain resident Janice Rogovin. Somerville resident Laura McLam produced and edited the film.
Arredondo first appeared in the news in 2004 when he learned that his oldest son, Alex, had died fighting in Iraq. On his 44th birthday, military officials told Arredondo of his son’s death while at his Florida home. Distraught, Arredondo reportedly went outside, started to destroy a military van, put gasoline on the van and lit it on fire. In turn he also burned himself.
The film follows him for the next 10 years as he evolves from a grief stricken father to an influential peace activist. He often assembles memorials with posters and flags at The Monument on South Street.
He then became a local hero by saving Boston Marathon bombing victim Jeff Bauman minutes after the bombing occurred. Bauman had his two legs blown off and Arredondo sprung into action and got Bauman into a wheelchair, and brought him to receive medical attention as soon as possible. Photographs of Arredondo wearing a cowboy hat while rushing Bauman to help became iconic after the bombing.
His story of public involvement and private struggle raises important questions about the impact of war on families, patriotism and the American Dream.
The screening is free and open to the public but RSVPing is recommended by clicking here.