The Interrupters

Last night The Interrupters claimed the latest awards in its incredible run of festival victories, sweeping three categories at New Zealand's Documentary Edge Awards: Best Feature Documentary, Best Director (Steve James - shared with Chris Paine of Revenge of the Electric Car), and Best World Cinema. Read about their wins here.
 

After a very, very long run of press on The Interrupters dating back to late 2010, Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz may have recorded their 'final interview' on the film (for now!). Listen to the Film Courage podcast for some great insight into their experiences in making the film and getting it out to the community, and also on their early years as independent creative artists documenting social issues. The Film Courage hosts David Branin & Karen Worden also reveal in the interview that they watched the film three times this week!

The Interrupters will be honored with the 2012 Henry Hampton Award for Excellence in Film & Digital Media. Academy Award-nominated director John Singleton (Boyz in the Hood) will present the award to Kartemquin filmmaker Steve James on April 28th at the Council on Foundations 45th Film and Video Festival in Los Angeles, part of the Council on Foundations annual conference. Emmy award-winning filmmkaer Stanley Nelson will also be honored at this year's festival, which brings together representatives of the nation's biggest philanthropic organizations.
 

On Tuesday February 21st at the Chicago Cultural Center, Ameena Matthews told the story of a recent violence interruption – one that ended, as they frequently do, with the participants in her car, whisked away from the scene to give them enough space to regain their cool.  Her car packed full of teenage boys, she hit Lakeshore Drive.  “Is that the ocean?” one of the boys asked.  Because of gang boundaries, these youths had never seen Lake Michigan.

The story drew gasps from her audience, all prominent members of Chicago city government – including Mayor Rahm Emanuel himself.  They had gathered to view several clips from The Interrupters, followed by panel discussions.  The private event was put on by the Mayor’s office, which had approached Kartemquin Films several weeks ago with the idea of showcasing the film to city officials.