festival program / Documentary Achievement Award

Boys State

About

WINNER - Sundance Film Festival 2020 U.S. Documentary Grand Jury Prize – Best Film

Set in Texas, Boys State follows a program that teaches high school students about civics by putting them through the weeklong immersion of a mock election. We follow students whose politics range from conservative to liberal as they test their ideals against the necessity of winning votes.

The program has a long history of luminous alumni including Bill Clinton, Cory Booker and Samuel Alito. The young men who stand out in Boys State feel like they could rise to the same heights of future leadership.

Event Dates

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SilverSpot Cinema 16

SilverSpot Cinema 11

Director Bio

Amanda McBaine is an award-winning producer making her feature directing debut with Boys State. As a producer, her films include The Overnighters (14), The Bandit (16), Speedo: A Demolition Derby Love Stor and Ghosts of Attica. Along with her husband and creative partner, Jesse Moss, she is a partner in Mile End Films, a San Francisco based production company.

Jesse Moss' films include The Overnighters (14), an official selection of the Miami Film Festival, The Bandit; Full Battle Rattle; and Speedo: A Demolition Derby Love Story. Recent work includes The Family, a five-part Netflix series and Dirty Money. As a producer, his films include Gay Chorus Deep South (19) and William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe (19).

Cast & Credits

  • Director(s)
    Jesse Moss, Amanda McBaine
  • Producer(s)
    Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss
  • Composer
    T Griffin

Film Info

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