In honor of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington – which took place on Aug. 28, 1963 – the National Archives has released a full digital restoration of the documentary film, “The March.”

The National Archives reported that the 33-minute film was completed through an agreement between the US Government and Hearst Metrotone News.

The contract goal stated that the film was to “portray the dramatic events of the August 28th Demonstration… as a living force in American democracy, and to present in depth… a responsible, Nationwide effort on the part of major civil rights organizations…. in order to arouse the conscience of a nation to the need of Congressional legislation on the civil rights issue.”

Filmmaker James Blue was enlisted to complete the film. He led the gathering of footage, edited the film, wrote the script and narrated the dialog for a total cost of $40,000.

“The March” would go on to win awards in international film festivals.

Also presented by the National Archives is a short video on the March on Washington in pictures, featuring some of the people who were there. That video also can be seen below.