Washington, Iowa, will be on display in the Netherlands later this month as Saving Brinton has been selected for the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

The documentary that follows local retired teacher and historian Michael Zahs as he works to preserve and promote some of the world’s oldest films that once belonged to Frank and Indiana Brinton. It has been garnering praise throughout the U.S. with showings in 11 states, picking up awards at the Anchorage International Film Festival last month including best documentary and the audience choice award.

Zahs shares why this invitation is significant, “This is very exciting for the film guys, it’s fun to watch them because this is a major, big deal. The film had been asked to be shown in London and a couple other places in Europe and they just kind of held back. And I kind of wondered, ‘Why wait?’ and they said the best place in the world to have the international premiere would be at the film festival in Rotterdam the Netherlands. They knew they had passed the first three screenings but it still wasn’t official. And just a few days ago it became official that Saving Brinton will have its international premiere at the Rotterdam film festival.”

He adds it will be interesting to see the Midwest on the big screen across the pond, “It’s really been a great joy. I get to see Washington, Iowa, and so far I’ve watched Washington, Iowa, and Washington people in 11 states, I think we have maybe 15 more that are strong possibilities. And now I’ll get to see hometown Washington in Europe, and it’s just so much fun.”

In March the film will have theatrical runs in New York City and Los Angeles, which Zahs says are the last two requirements to be eligible to be considered for an Academy Award in 2019. For more informatin about Saving Brinton’s international premier listen to the Washington Page with Zahs.