The second-annual Oppenheimer Festival in Los Alamos has taken a profound turn, focusing on the multifaceted legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the U.S. nuclear program. This year’s event, which runs through the end of August, delves into the historical, ethical, and personal dimensions of the atomic age, offering a diverse lineup of films, documentaries, and discussions that reflect on both the horrors and the complex legacy of nuclear weapons.
Barefoot Gen: A Child’s Perspective on Hiroshima
One of the most poignant films screening at the festival is the 1983 Japanese animated film Barefoot Gen, based on the manga series by Keiji Nakazawa. The film provides a harrowing depiction of life in Hiroshima during the final days of World War II, seen through the eyes of a young boy. Loosely based on Nakazawa’s own experiences—having witnessed the devastation of Hiroshima and the loss of his family in the atomic bombing—the film offers a deeply personal narrative that underscores the human cost of nuclear warfare. This screening is particularly resonant, given that it takes place in the town where the very weapon that destroyed Nakazawa’s hometown was developed.
A Broader Look at Oppenheimer’s Legacy
Unlike the first Oppenheimer Festival, which primarily celebrated the release of Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster Oppenheimer, this year’s event seeks to explore the broader implications of Oppenheimer’s work. The festival offers multiple perspectives on the man often called the “father of the atomic bomb” and the far-reaching consequences of the Manhattan Project.
Allan Saenz, the festival organizer and owner of the SALA Los Alamos Event Center, emphasizes that this year’s festival is designed to engage both locals and visitors in a deeper understanding of Oppenheimer’s legacy. The festival will feature daily screenings of Nolan’s film, giving audiences another chance to experience this cinematic masterpiece on the big screen. However, the focus has shifted to a more comprehensive exploration of the ethical and historical issues surrounding the development of nuclear weapons.
Documentaries Unveil Hidden Histories
This year’s festival also includes a powerful lineup of documentaries that shine a light on lesser-known aspects of the nuclear program. Among these is the 2023 documentary First We Bombed New Mexico, which tells the story of the Tularosa Basin downwinders—residents of the area surrounding the Trinity test site who were exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. The film highlights their long struggle for recognition and justice, bringing attention to the human toll of nuclear testing on American soil.
A special red carpet event featured a screening of First We Bombed New Mexico, followed by a Q&A session with the film’s director, Lois Lipman, and Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium co-founder Tina Cordova. Lipman expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to present her documentary in Los Alamos, the birthplace of the Manhattan Project. She hopes that members of the Los Alamos National Laboratory community will view the film and engage in a meaningful dialogue about the long-term impacts of their work.
Another noteworthy documentary, The Atomic Rocketeer, delves into the controversial history of Operation Paperclip, the secret U.S. program that brought Nazi scientists to America after World War II. Directed by Alamogordo native Larry Sheffield, the film explores the ethical dilemmas and the scientific advancements that emerged from this morally complex chapter in history. Sheffield’s other works will also be featured at the festival, providing a comprehensive look at the interplay between war, science, and ethics.
Classic Films Revisited
In addition to new documentaries, the Oppenheimer Festival will screen several classic films that examine the nuclear age from different perspectives. Fat Man and Little Boy, a 1989 film starring Paul Newman as General Leslie Groves, recounts the story of the Manhattan Project and the creation of the bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The screening of this film offers viewers a dramatized, yet historically grounded, insight into the monumental efforts and the moral dilemmas faced by those involved in the project.
The festival also revisits Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 satire Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. This Cold War-era film offers a darkly comedic take on the absurdities of nuclear deterrence and the existential threats posed by the arms race. Its inclusion in the festival underscores the lasting cultural impact of nuclear weapons and the ongoing relevance of these issues in today’s world.
Japanese Perspectives and the War’s Aftermath
The festival’s programming also pays special attention to the impact of World War II on Japan and Japanese Americans. Alongside Barefoot Gen, the festival will feature Japan’s Longest Day: The Dramatic Story of the End of WWII, a documentary that delves into the events leading up to Japan’s surrender. This film offers a critical examination of the decisions that brought an end to the war, providing a Japanese perspective that is often overshadowed by Western narratives.
Another significant documentary, Community in Conflict, explores the creation of a historical monument in Santa Fe that acknowledges the existence of a Japanese internment camp during the war. This film sheds light on the tensions between the local veteran community and those advocating for a more inclusive historical narrative. The screenings of these films will be accompanied by panel discussions and Q&A sessions, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with the filmmakers and historians in a meaningful dialogue.
Cultural and Historical Tours of Los Alamos
The Oppenheimer Festival extends beyond the walls of the movie theater, offering attendees the chance to explore Los Alamos and its rich history. The festival’s website promotes a variety of historic and film tours, inviting visitors to walk in the footsteps of those who played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project. These tours provide a unique opportunity to experience the town’s historical sites, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and to gain a deeper understanding of the place where the nuclear age began.
Allan Saenz hopes that the festival will not only educate but also drive tourism to Los Alamos, encouraging people to explore the town’s unique blend of history, science, and culture.
Looking Ahead to Future Festivals
As the second Oppenheimer Festival draws to a close, Saenz is already planning for next year’s event. He envisions an even more immersive experience that delves deeper into the legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Acknowledging the complexities of Oppenheimer’s character and the monumental impact of his work, Saenz aims to create a festival that will continue to provoke thought and discussion about the ongoing relevance of the atomic age.