Washington, DC – On Friday, October 30 at 6 pm, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, Councilmember At-Large Vincent Orange, Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd, and Georgetown University President Jack DeGioia will join William Friedkin and Peter Blatty, the Academy Award-winning director and screenwriter duo behind the 1973 classic horror film “The Exorcist,” to officially commemorate the famed “Exorcist Steps” in Georgetown.
The Georgetown neighborhood served as the backdrop for both The Exorcist novel and film. The iconic staircase near Georgetown University prominently featured in the film has since become known as the “Exorcist Steps,” and has become a recognizable and popular tourist destinations. Mayor Bowser will unveil a commemorative plaque to recognize the Georgetown landmark for its significant contribution to Washington, DC’s film history.
“The famed Exorcist Steps not only pay tribute to an iconic film but have also become a part of the District’s rich film history,” said Mayor Bowser. “This recognition is more than deserving and I am confident this landmark will continue to be a favorite destination for residents, tourists, and students for decades to come.”
In a grassroots effort, passionate local film fans raised nearly $7,000 dollars to make the commemoration a reality. Ward 2 resident Andrew Huff and board member with the Dupont Festival, in collaboration with the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment, led the coordination of the event.
“At long last, the iconic Exorcist Steps and the artists responsible for their popularity will be commemorated and honored,” said Andrew Huff. “This location brings tourists from all over the world to Georgetown and these steps will officially take their place in the annals of DC film history. Thank you to Mayor Bowser, Councilmember Evans, William Friedkin, and William Peter Blatty, and our many sponsors for making this event a reality.”
William Friedkin, a film director, producer and screenwriter, is best known for directing The French Connection in 1971, for which he won an Academy Award, and The Exorcist in 1973. William Peter Blatty is an author and filmmaker best known for writing The Exorcist novel in 1971 and the screenplay for the film adaptation, for which he won an Academy Award. Blatty is also a graduate of Georgetown University.
WHO:
Mayor Muriel Bowser
Jack Evans, Ward 2 Councilmember
Vincent Orange, Councilmember At-Large
Brandon Todd, Ward 4 Councilmember
William Friedkin, Director, The Exorcist
Peter Blatty, Scriptwriter & Author, The Exorcist (film & novel)
Jack DeGioia, President, Georgetown University
WHEN:
Friday, October 30, 2015
WHERE:
3607 M Street, NW
*Bus Lines: 38B, G2, D5, DCDGR*
Social Media:
Mayor Bowser Twitter: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser Website: mayor.dc.gov
OCTFME Twitter: @entertain_DC
OCTFME Facebook: Facebook.com/EntertainDC
OCTFME Website: Entertainment.DC.Gov