STEVE JAMES’ “THE INTERRUPTERS” is his fifth film to screen at Sundance and this time also has the distinction of being part of Sundance’s new Documentary Premiere category for “master filmmakers debuting their new docs about big subjects.”
“The Interrupters” is James’ sixth doc to be produced with Kartemquin Films, which kicks off a yearlong celebration of its 45th anniversary at Sundance.
“The Interrupters” was made by James and best-selling author, Alex Kotlowitz (“There Are No Children Here”) whose article in the New York Times Magazine inspired the film.
Shot over the course of a year, the doc follows former three former gang members, who now work for CeaseFire, as they attempt to intervene in gang situations before they turn violent and deadly.
Kartemquin was the recent recipient of two MacArthur grants, both used for film completion. “The Interrupters” was awarded $200,000 and the in-progress doc, “American Arab,” by producer/director Usama Alshaibi was a $75,000 recipient.
