Novelist · Son of Michael Shaara
On growing up with the book, and writing the novels that surround it. [Description TBD]
Behind the Scenes + Extras
Conversations, panels and moments that extend the film beyond its running time.
July 3, 2026
World Premiere Filmmakers Panel
On July 3rd, 2026 The Gettysburg Book had its world premiere at Gettysburg’s Majestic Theater as part of Gettysburg History’s America 250th Celebration event lineup. Following a screening of the film to an audience of approximately 800 attendees, a panel was held with filmmakers Jake Boritt and Gordon Beittenmiller, as well as author and subject of the film Jeff Shaara. Moderated by Gettysburg College Professor Dr. Ian Isherwood, the talkback delivered a deeper look into the creative process behind the film, stories behind each speaker’s connection to the material, and revealed greater insight into elements of the Shaara family story that were not featured in the film. The full panel can be viewed here.
Making The Film
Extended Interviews
Longer cuts from the interviews in the film—with the novelist, the actors and the historians.
Actor · Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
On playing Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, twice. [Description TBD]
Actor · Robert E. Lee
On bringing Robert E. Lee to the screen. [Description TBD]
Actor · George Pickett & Stonewall Jackson
On Pickett, Jackson and the two films. [Description TBD]
Historian
On memory, myth and how Americans remember the war. [Description TBD]
Historian
On the novel’s influence on how the battle is understood. [Description TBD]
Historian
On the battlefield, and the visitors the novel brought to it. [Description TBD]