The film, directed by Tiffany French Thomas and narrated by Peoria native Aja Blue, was funded by the Elmwood Center for the Humanities, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, and the Illinois Arts Council. It is now available to stream for free on echnow.com/oab or the Elmwood Center for the Humanities’ YouTube page.
The documentary features footage shot by videographer Mike Rundle from Morton and includes narratives from area residents, as described in the source. Meanwhile, other streaming and broadcast events are scheduled for October, including the return of “The Wizard of Oz” to television and new releases like “Cupertino” and “Social Reckoning.”
Premiere After Sold-Out Screening
The premiere of “Over a Barrel” followed a capacity crowd at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, where the film’s themes of industrial history and community impact were first presented.
Documentary Now Available Online
Produced with funding from the Elmwood Center for the Humanities and other entities, “Over a Barrel” is described as a 40-minute exploration of Peoria’s whiskey industry. The film’s narration by Aja Blue, a Chicago-based musician and voice actor, is highlighted in the source. Its availability online includes a direct link to echnow.com/oab and the Elmwood Center’s YouTube channel, with no mention of subscription requirements or additional platforms.
“Over a Barrel” remains the central focus of the reported event, with no further details about its critical or audience reception provided in the source materials.
Streaming and Broadcast Events Announced
“The Wizard of Oz” will return to broadcast television after a 28-year hiatus, airing during MeTV’s “Halloween BOO-Nanza” event. The 1938 film will be broadcast in prime time multiple evenings. Other October highlights include the MLB postseason, the WNBA playoffs across multiple networks, and the NFL’s Bears vs. Patriots game on Amazon Prime. The seven-episode adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” will debut on Netflix, while Tom Cruise stars in the dark comedy “Digger,” set for theatrical release.
The film features Jeremy Strong as Zuckerberg and Jeremy Allen White as a reporter. The courtroom thriller “Cupertino” explores Silicon Valley’s power dynamics, starring Mike Colter and Rachel Keller.
Historical and Cultural Releases Announced
The documentary reflects on the 1918–1930s boom of African American art, music, literature, and culture. The eight-episode Marvel series “VisionQuest” also premieres, with Paul Bettany reprising his role as Vision and the late Ultron, played by James Spader, returning.
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