Massimiliano Gallo

Daughter of immigrants, an idealistic American architect struggles to keep her dream alive as she journeys to discover why America abandoned World's Fairs. Presenting the power of architecture on the world's imagination, and its ability to affect a nation's dreams - FACE OF A NATION: What happened to the World's Fair?" captures erosion of the American image at one of the most important events in showcasing a nation's influence on the international stage. A reminder that "to keep the dream alive," we must never lose sight of our vision and values. Probing deeply into national identity, Mina Chow investigates the controversy surrounding U.S. participation at World's Fairs for the last 25 years. The film asks important questions about the country's role in the world and perceptions of the American image. With our diminished presence at World's Fairs, have we lost sight of what it means to be American? —Mina Chow Twenty years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in which iconic American buildings were deliberately targeted, the connection between design and global politics continues to be highlighted in provocative visual symbolism, extreme positions about cultural sites, and identity politics at international borders. The film documents unfavorable international perceptions about the U.S. when design excellence at World's Fairs is neglected. World's Fairs (i.e.-Expos) are important opportunities for people from various countries to engage peacefully with others around the world on an actual site;to diffuse conflict face-to-face "within the last 3 feet." Architectural excellence uses the substance of the real world to influence and engage people. A powerful persuasion without words. The highest quality design at World's Fairs is an important opportunity to reshape our American story with international audiences on a real-world stage. —Mina Chow

Five high school friends. A jock, a prep, a stoner, a nerd, and another nerd get framed for a senior prank and have to come up with $50k or won't graduate.