Convention (2009/2010)

Convention

A scene from the documentary CONVENTION, directed by AJ Schnack. All rights reserved.

Convention

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Opened: 06/04/2010 Limited

Limited06/04/2010
IFC Center06/04/2010 - 06/10/20107 days

Genre: Documentary

Rated: Unrated

Short Synopsis

Taking a page from the Obama campaign, Schnack (Kurt Cobain: About a Son) mobilized a small army of noted documentarians for an all-access view of Denver during the massive 2008 Democratic National Convention. Paying homage to verite pioneers like Drew and Pennebaker, they blanketed the city to capture history in the making.

Long Synopsis (from Sundance Selects Press Release)

AJ Schnack's CONVENTION, an ensemble documentary shot during the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Working with acclaimed filmmakers Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert (2007 Emmy Winner A LION IN THE HOUSE, 2010 Oscar nominee THE LAST TRUCK: CLOSING OF A GM PLANT), Laura Poitras (2007 Oscar nominee MY COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY and THE OATH), Paul Taylor (WE ARE TOGETHER) and Daniel Junge (THEY KILLED SISTER DOROTHY and 2010 Oscar nominee THE LAST CAMPAIGN OF GOVERNOR BOOTH GARDNER), the film is a behind-the-scenes look at Denver's efforts in hosting the historic event. CONVENTION premiered at the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival and at AFI Silverdocs, where its world premiere was the festival's Gala Centerpiece Screening.

CONVENTION is the third nonfiction feature by filmmaker AJ Schnack. His previous films are the Independent Spirit Award nominated KURT COBAIN ABOUT A SON (2006) and GIGANTIC (A TALE OF TWO JOHNS) (2002). Schnack is also the author and editor of the popular nonfiction film blog "All these wonderful things" (http://edendale.typepad.com), which he began in 2005 and which is perhaps the most widely read resource for nonfiction filmmaking online.

Filmed during the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, CONVENTION focuses on the efforts of local Denver citizens as they host, report on and protest the massive event. In this breathtaking documentary, a team of uniquely talented cinematographers, producers, and directors, led by accomplished documentary filmmaker AJ Schnack, assemble together in an unprecedented effort to cover the behind the scenes perspectives of this landmark moment in our country's history. Through the intertwining stories of several protesters, reporters from the Denver Post, the Mayor of Denver and his staff, the convention planners, protest groups and many more, CONVENTION delivers a complex, beautiful and completely unique portrayal of this historic event. CONVENTION was produced by Jennifer Chikes, Britta Erickson, Shirley Moyers, AJ Schnack and Nathan Truesdell. It was filmed by Steven Bognar, Daniel Junge, Laura Poitras, Julia Reichert, Wayne Robbins, AJ Schnack, Paul Taylor, Nathan Truesdell and David Wilson.