And now we know why Sundance made the decision to do away with the docs they included in the Spotlight section, which was formerly the Spectrum section. Now Sundance is defined by three clear section. U.S doc and world doc comp categories and the heavyweight section for established documentarians which this year includes Pamela Yates, Morgan Spurlock, Steve James and Eugene Jarecki. This reminds me – IONCINEMA.com needs a doc film journalist to keep track of all these projects. Here are the eight world premieres in the Documentary Premieres section.
Becoming Chaz /U.S.A. (Directors: Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato)
Born biologically female, Chastity Bono invites the viewer into a deeply personal journey as he transitions from female to male, embracing his true self, which is Chaz.
Bobby Fischer Against the World /U.S.A. (Director: Liz Garbus)
The drama of late chess-master Bobby Fischer’s career was undeniable,as he careened from troubled childhood, to World Champion and Cold War icon, to a fugitive on the run.
Granito /U.S.A. (Director: Pamela Yates)
A documentary film intertwines with Guatemala’s turbulent history and emerges as an active player in a nation’s struggle to heal itself and serve up justice.
The Greatest Movie Ever Sold /U.S.A. (Director: Morgan Spurlock)
A documentary about branding, advertising and product placement is financed and made possible by branding, advertising and product placement.
The Interrupters /U.S.A. (Director: Steve James)
From the Academy Award-winning director of Hoop Dreams comes a story of ex-gang members who are now protecting their communities from the violence they themselves once employed.
Reagan /U.S.A., United Kingdom (Director: Eugene Jarecki)
Reagan examines the enigmatic career of one of the revered architects of the modern world – icon, screen star, and two-term president Ronald Reagan.
Rebirth /U.S.A. (Director: Jim Whitaker)
Weaving together five stories of individuals whose lives were profoundly altered by the 9/11 attack with unprecedented time-lapse footage of Ground Zero composed over ten years, what emerges is a chronicle of grief’s evolution and a nation healing.
These Amazing Shadows /U.S.A. (Directors: Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton)
The history and importance of the National Film Registry unfolds in a roll call of American cinema treasures that reflects the diversity of film, and indeed the American experience itself.