“The Current War” Filmmakers to Join Andy Masich for Special Event at History Center

The Smithsonian-affiliated Senator John Heinz History Center will host filmmakers from the “The Current War” – the recently-released film about the efforts of George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Nikola Tesla to electrify the world – as part of the President’s Lecture: War of the Currents event on Monday, Dec. 30 at 3 p.m.

Written by Pittsburgh-born screen writer and Fox Chapel High School graduate Michael Mitnick, “The Current War” features a star-studded cast that includes Hollywood actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon, Katherine Waterston, and Tom Holland.

Mitnick will join History Center President and CEO Andy Masich, director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, and co-producer Jayne Sullivan for an engaging conversation about the history and myths associated with the famous “War of the Currents” – the late 19th-century struggle for superiority between direct current (DC) versus alternating current (AC).

The panel discussion will also explore the challenges of making a major motion picture involving complex historical characters and Pittsburgh’s role in the story. It will be followed by an enlightening Q&A session.

Light refreshments provided by The Common Plea, Eat’n Park, and Sarris Candies will be available.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $5 for History Center members, and can be purchased online at Showclix.com.

Please note: this is not a film screening, but short clips from the film may be shown.

The History Center’s Westinghouse Collection, on display within the museum’s Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation exhibit, preserves and showcases the legacy of George Westinghouse and his impact on the world.