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Sundance Film Festival · 2009

Sundance Film Festival 2009

Spectrum: Documentary Spotlight

A tribute to the abundance of compelling new voices and the creative spirit in independent filmmaking, the Spectrum program presents out-of-competition dramatic and documentary films from some of the most promising filmmakers in the world today.

Programme

7 films · 3 reviews

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It Might Get Loud

Review preview for It Might Get Loud

Intelligent, well-constructed visuals work effectively in tandem with what is being said by the musicians and save us from the stale talking-heads format.

Adam Micklethwaite · 4 out of 5
The history of the electric guitar from the point of view of Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White.

(Country: US; Year: 2008; Director: Davis Guggenheim; Stars: Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White)

Full review See: Berlin Film Festival Diary Day Seven

U.S. Premiere

No Impact Man

The documentary follows the Beavan family as they abandon their high consumption Fifth Avenue lifestyle in an attempt to make a no-net environmental impact for the course of one year.

(Country: USA; Year: 2009; Director: Laura Gabbert, Justin Schein; Stars: Michelle Conlin, Colin Beavan)

World Premiere

Passing Strange

A musical documentary about the international exploits of a young man from Los Angeles who leaves home to find himself and 'the real'. A theatrical stage production of the original Tony-Award winning book by Stew.

(Country: USA; Year: 2009; Director: Spike Lee, Annie Dorsen; Writer: Stew; Stars: Colman Domingo, De'Adre Aziza, Chad Goodridge, Stew)

World Premiere

Tyson

Review preview for Tyson

Like the heavyweight prize-fighter in his prime, this is documentary stripped back to its leanest form.

Amber Wilkinson · 3.5 out of 5
Intimate portrait of the heavyweight boxer.

(Country: US; Year: 2008; Director: James Toback; Writer: James Toback; Stars: Mike Tyson) , Official site

Full review See: Sundance Diary: Day Eight

North American Premiere

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

Using rare archival clips along with provocative interviews with many of today's leading comedians and social critics, Why We Laugh celebrates the incredible cultural influence and social impact black comedy has wielded over the past 400 years.

(Year: 2008; Director: Robert Townsend; Writer: Daryle D'Millitant Littleton, John Long, Quincy Newell, Robert Townsend; Stars: Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Marlon Wayans, Cedric the Entertainer, Wanda Sykes, Dave Chappelle, Bill Cosby, Damon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Katt Williams)

World Premiere

Wounded Knee

In 1973, American Indian groups took over the town of Wounded Knee, South Dakota to draw attention the 1890 massacre. Though the federal government failed to keep many of the promises that ended the siege, the event succeeded in bringing to the world's attention the desperate conditions of Indian reservation life.

(Year: 2009; Director: Stanley Nelson; Writer: Marcia Smith)

World Premiere

The Yes Men Fix The World

Review preview for The Yes Men Fix The World

There's no denying that they make some good points, well substantiated with damning words straight from the horse's mouth.

Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
A documentary about two friends who put on suits and pretend to be senior corporate figures in order to try and set the world to rights.

(Country: France, USA; Year: 2009; Director: Andy Bichlbaum, Mike Bonanno, Kurt Engfehr; Writer: Andy Bichlbaum, Mike Bonanno; Stars: Andy Bichlbaum, Mike Bonanno) , Official site

Full review See: Inteview with Mike Bonanno about The Yes Men Fix The World

World Premiere