Filmmaker Burns Ranks Trek Above Moon Landing

Acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns says that in U.S. history, the Lewis-Clark expedition into the wilds of the West is “even more important than the moon landing in its significance.”

Burns said Tuesday he will premiere portions of a four-hour documentary about the expedition during the planned Lewis & Clark Experience on July 27 in Clarkston.

“Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery” is a cornerstone of the event, which is billed as an observance of the 1803-1806 trip into the Western frontier and especially of the expedition’s journey through the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley in 1805 and 1806.

Burns, who spoke via conference call from New York, has achieved national prominence for such historical documentaries as “The Civil War” and “Baseball.” He said he chose the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley for the premiere because “you guys are ground zero.”

“These twin cities, to me, symbolize their journey,” Burns said.

He said the premiere probably will feature clips from the documentary, interspersed with a presentation by Burns and co-producer Dayton Duncan, an acclaimed history author.

“I think we’ve done not only one of the best, but one of the most beautiful films we’ve ever done,” Burns said.

The two-part film will air on PBS in November.