Another Way of Living: The Story of Reston, Virginia

'Another Way of Living: The Story of Reston, Virginia' is a documentary film featuring Susan Jones and Mahrya MacIntire and other significant figures that played a role in the town's history. It seeks to provide a comprehensive look at the history, evolution, and impact of one of America's most ambitious suburban development projects.

The film revolves around the town of Reston, Virginia, a unique, planned community that emerged during the mid-1960s. It was conceived as an experiment to redefine suburban living, with a vision of creating a town where people could live, work, and play in the same community, thereby reducing the dependence on vehicles, enhancing community interaction, and providing a higher standard of living.

The narrative kicks off with the personal journey of Robert E. Simon, the founder of Reston, whose dream was to build a community that rejected the traditional segregation of the races, economic classes, and age groups seen in most American suburbs. The film also focuses on his bold vision to construct a town that diverged from the typical post-World War II suburban landscape and its painstaking journey to reality.

As the documentary film deep dives into the history of Reston, it interweaves with the larger themes of urban planning, architecture, and social change that were pervasive in the mid-20th century America. Susan Jones, an acclaimed architect, and Mahrya MacIntire, a longtime Reston resident, serve as important voices throughout the narrative, recounting their experiences, insights, and anecdotes related to Reston's growth and evolution.

The film presents a rich tapestry of archival footage, interviews, and visuals of the modern-day Reston. Jones provides an architectural overview of the town’s distinctive features and shares her insights about how its design principles counteracted the urban sprawl. Meanwhile, MacIntire offers a first-person narrative of a resident's life, illuminating the tangible impact of Reston's design on its inhabitants' quality of life.

Throughout its run, 'Another Way of Living' generates intrigue by tackling challenges faced by Reston in its early years, like skepticism from the public, financial struggles, and resistance to its unconventional approach. It also explores the town’s resilience, eventually growing into a thriving community and influencing subsequent urban planning efforts.

But more than just chronicling the history of a town, the documentary provides viewers with a glimpse into a unique social experiment and its tangible impact on its inhabitants. It tells the story of a visionary's dream to create something extraordinary, and how that dream not only came to fruition but also went on to become an influential model for community living in America.

The film also delves into the human aspect of Reston, reminding viewers that a town is more than just buildings and streets—it's the people that bring it to life. Interviews with other residents, community leaders, and urban planning experts further enrich this narrative, presenting a multifaceted look at the lived reality of Reston.

'Another Way of Living: The Story of Reston, Virginia' is more than a documentary film about a piece of suburban American history. It's a tribute to the power of dreaming big, the perseverance to overcome challenges, and the human desire to foster a sense of community in today's increasingly isolated world. It’s a powerful testament to the town's motto - "Live, Work, Play, and Get Involved" - underlining its relevance even in the 21st century.

This film will inevitably attract viewers interested in architecture, urban planning, social history, and local governance. However, its exploration of the human spirit, community values, and social resilience can resonate with a broader audience. The journey of Reston, Virginia is a lesson for every community trying to create a better way of living—a more integrated, sustainable, and human-centered environment. Above all, the film provides a beautiful narrative of Reston that will imbue its residents with renewed pride and help others understand a town that dared to be different.