Five TFI Alumni Are Sundance Bound

2012-11-28

The Sundance Film Festival announced films in the U.S. and World Competitions as well as NEXT section for their 2013 edition. Five TFI alumni have been selected: American Promise (Tribeca All Access® and Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund) Directors: Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson — This intimate documentary follows the 12-year journey of two African-American families pursuing the promise of opportunity through the education of their sons. [U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION] Computer Chess (TFI Sloan Filmmaker Fund) Director and screenwriter: Andrew Bujalski — An existential comedy about the brilliant men who taught machines to play chess – back when the machines seemed clumsy and we seemed smart. Cast: Patrick Riester, Myles Paige, James Curry, Robin Schwartz, Gerald Peary, Wiley Wiggins. [NEXT] Cutie and the Boxer (TFI Documentary Fund) Director: Zachary Heinzerling — This candid New York love story explores the chaotic 40-year marriage of famed boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife, Noriko. Anxious to shed her role as her overbearing husband's assistant, Noriko finds an identity of her own. [U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION] Gideon's Army (TAA) Director: Dawn Porter — Gideon’s Army follows three young, committed Public Defenders who are dedicated to working for the people society would rather forget. Long hours, low pay and staggering caseloads are so common that even the most committed often give up. [U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION] God Loves Uganda (TAA & GTDF) Director: Roger Ross Williams — A powerful exploration of the evangelical campaign to infuse African culture with values imported from America’s Christian Right. The film follows American and Ugandan religious leaders fighting “sexual immorality” and missionaries trying to convince Ugandans to follow biblical law. [U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION] Congrats to the filmmakers. Keep an eye on the TFI blog for stories on these films/filmmakers and more leading up to the fest.