An important and well-received documentary called VIRTUAL JFK is presently showing in movie theaters across the country. Produced by fellows of the Watson Institute for International Studies and combining rare footage from numerous Kennedy press conferences, in-depth interviews and a close reading of the documentary record, the film applies what Harvard historian Niall Ferguson calls "virtual history" to consider what President John F. Kennedy might have done in Vietnam if he had not been assassinated in 1963 and was instead re-elected in 1964. It is a provocative investigation of one of the most debated "what if" scenarios and takes its inspiration from Kennedy's famous statement that "we must never negotiate out of fear, but we must never fear to negotiate." It resonates powerfully with audiences who are invited to draw their own conclusions from the historical record.

"An extended glimpse into a bygone era of statesmanship. In Masutani's selection of clips, watching Kennedy field astute questions and scathing critiques with thoughtfulness and wit proves extremely illuminating; his weighing of complex factors in an international situation and consciousness of how much rides on his decisions strikes a now unfamiliar note." - Ronnie Scheib, Variety

"A critical handbook for current and aspiring world leaders." - Sergei Khrushchev, Son of Former Soviet Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev

"Fascinating." - Sara Cardace, New York Magazine

"Captivating. Meticulous and wholly engrossing." - Ted Fry, The Seattle Times

"Compelling. Insightful. Highly convincing." - Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter

Director Koji Masutani is currently a Visiting Fellow at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University and trained previously with cinematographer Christopher Doyle in Hong Kong. Producer and narrator James Blight is a Professor of International Studies at the Watson Institute for International Studies and served as principal substantive advisor to Errol Morris during the production of The Fog of War, winner of the 2004 Academy AwardŽ for Best Documentary. A book of the same title, written by the film's producers James Blight, Janet Lang and David Welch was published by Rowman & Littlefield on January 28, 2009.

Additional information, including a trailer, are available at www.virtualjfk.com.