Route 66 Documentary Brings Centennial Roadshow to Joliet and Pontiac

A new feature-length documentary celebrating the people and communities carrying Route 66 into its next century will make two stops along The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 this September, with screenings planned at the Old Joliet Prison on Friday, Sept. 4, and The Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center in Pontiac on Saturday, Sept. 5. 

ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA, directed by award-winning filmmaker John Paget, follows the historic highway through the people, businesses, landmarks, and communities working to preserve and reinvent the Mother Road during its centennial year. In the spirit of the great American road trip, the film will be premiered “roadshow” style, traveling more than 2,400 miles through eight Route 66 states from September through November.  

The Joliet screening will take place Friday, Sept. 4, at the Old Joliet Prison. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with self-guided prison tours and food trucks, followed by the film at 6 p.m. A Q&A with Paget will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$20.           

On Saturday, Sept. 5, the Pontiac screening will be held at The Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center. The film begins at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A with Paget at 8 p.m. A ticketholder reception hosted by The First Hundred Miles will follow at 9 p.m. at ACRESinn. Tickets are $20.

Paget's first Route 66 films documented Route 66 in the 1990’s. His new film looks beyond Route 66 nostalgia to explore the people bringing historic motels, diners, roadside attractions, and other landmarks back to life. Through stories from communities across all 8 states, the film highlights the creativity, resilience, and determination shaping the future of the Mother Road.  

“Route 66 has always been about more than pavement — it’s about people,” said Paget. “In every town, we met people who believe history is more than something to remember—it’s something that inspires what comes next.” 

Both local screenings will give audiences the opportunity to experience the film alongside the communities and Route 66 attractions featured in its story. The events also provide an opportunity to meet Paget and participate in conversations about the future of the historic highway during its centennial year. 

ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA has been designated an Official Project of the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission. 

For the complete screening schedule and ticket information, visit: www.MainStreetofAmerica.com | Facebook & Instagram: @Route66x100