Discover California State of Mind: The Legacy of Pat Brown on National Public Television

In the turbulent 1960’s, an ordinary man rose to face extraordinary challenges.

In California State of Mind: The Legacy of Pat Brown the premiere account of former Governor Pat Brown’s life, his granddaughter Sascha Rice, an award-winning director, gives an inside look into political power and into a family dynasty some call “the West Coast Kennedys.”

California has long been a symbol of the American Dream and in this dynamic new documentary an exciting tale of the West comes into focus as the filmmaker wrestles with the inherited optimism of her grandfather's legacy. Seven years in the making, the documentary takes on even greater significance now that his son, Jerry Brown, is Governor of California – again.

The film resonates on a national level as Pat Brown, the man Tom Brokaw called the “godfather of modern California,” successfully tackles the same issues that elected officials struggle with today: education, transportation, growth and water. The documentary gracefully pivots from a tumultuous decade in American history to the contemporary challenges of today. California State of Mind is much more than an examination of the past; it invites our nation to think about pressing social problems with Pat Brown’s special brand of can-do optimism, a quality that is often missing in today’s political landscape.

By viewing this historical figure through his granddaughter’s eyes and with her unique graphic style and personal point of view, a compelling and entertaining biography powerfully launches Pat Brown’s story into the 21st century. Director Sascha Rice uses rare home movies, stunning archival footage, and revealing interviews with such notable speakers as Tom Brokaw, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the late former Secretary of State Warren Christopher.

Funding for the film was provided by more than 450 foundations, corporate sponsors and individuals internationally. This includes donations from The Annenberg Foundation, Edison International, PG&E, POM Wonderful, James Irvine Foundation, Sempra Energy, Comcast, Armrod Foundation, George Rice, AT&T Foundation, Conrad Hilton Foundation, Chevron Corporation, Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation, Zenith Insurance Company, California Community Foundation and the Kanbar Charitable Trust. For a complete list of funders please visit patbrowndocumentary.com.

Directed by Sascha Rice
Written by Sascha Rice & Laura Nix
Produced by Hilary Armstrong, Julia Mintz, Sascha Rice
Executive Producer Hilary Armstrong

Download a complete Program Press Kit. (PDF) - includes synopsis, bios, cast, directors statement, quotes and more
Download the Program's Social Media Toolkit. (PDF) - includes Facebook, Twitter tweets, YouTube and much more
Download suggested Station Member Guide Text. (PDF)

Publicity & PR Contact:
Hilary Armstrong
hilary@patbrowndocumentary.com
415-609-1898

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