Riotsville, U.S.A.

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courtesy Magnolia Pictures.

A military weapon is trained on a crowd of protesters.

A still image from "Riotsville U.S.A.

This documentary directed by Sierra Pettengill (The Reagan Show) looks at one government response to late 1960s civil rights and anti-war activism: “towns” purpose-built for training programs for the military and local police departments to counter protesters. Riotsville, U.S.A. premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, and makes its Madison debut as the opening selection for the winter MMoCA Cinema series.

press release: Riotsville, USA | Sierra Pettengill | USA | 2022 | 91 minutes

Using training footage of Army-built model towns called “Riotsvilles” where military and police were trained to respond to civil disorder, director Sierra Pettengill connects the stagecraft of “law and order” to the real violence of state practice. Riotsville, USA is a poetic and furious reflection on the rebellions of the 1960s–and the machine that worked to destroy them. Nominated for this year’s Best Documentary by the Independent Spirit Awards.

MMoCA Cinema features premieres of critically acclaimed and award-winning documentary and feature films. MMoCA Cinema is $7 per screening, or free for MMoCA members and anyone age 18 and younger. Ticket sales begin at 6:30 PM in the Museum lobby. Film begins at 7:00 PM.

View the entire Winter 2023 lineup on the main MMoCA Cinema page.

• MMoCA Cinema is $7 per screening, or free for MMoCA members and anyone age 18 and younger.
• Ticket sales begin at 6:30 PM in the Museum lobby.

Covid Policy for Attendees

• Masks are highly encouraged indoors, outdoors, and when interacting with Museum staff.
• Masks are encouraged outdoors when social distancing cannot be easily maintained.
• Event capacities at MMoCA have been limited to allow ample room for social distancing between guests.