Press Release

Shadow of the Bomb: Newlyweds Unknowingly Helped Create the First Atomic Weapon in New Documentary "Honeymoon in Oak Ridge"

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Emmy-winning filmmaker Joe Tripician delves into the complex legacy of the Manhattan Project in his poignant documentary, "Honeymoon in Oak Ridge." The film follows Tripician's parents, two of the 1,200 Army personnel unknowingly tasked with creating the first atomic bomb during World War II.

In 1998, 53 years after the Hiroshima bombing, Tripician takes his parents back to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where their honeymoon coincided with their secret wartime work. Through their recollections and rarely seen historical footage, the film unfolds a narrative of innocence, regret, and the enduring impact of their unwitting contribution to this devastating weapon.

Interwoven with their journey are candid reflections from Tripician's wife and daughters, examining how the legacy of the Manhattan Project resonates across generations. They grapple with the weight of pride and sorrow, recognizing both the scientific marvel and the unimaginable destruction born within Oak Ridge's guarded gates.

The Manhattan Project had a profound impact on individuals and generations. It transformed the world into a more dangerous place where a select group of people have the power of gods and the where the world’s destruction hangs in the balance.