Our take
This documentary is about a unique program in Chicago called CeaseFire whose sole aim is to stop violent deaths in poor urban areas. CeaseFire is staffed by ex-gang members and ex-convicts who try to intervene in conflicts in their community, particularly those that may escalate into extreme violence or death. In these neighborhoods though, violent conflict can result from something as minor as someone making a funky comment about someone else’s shoes. This makes total success for a project like CeaseFire nearly impossible. It is not a totally depressing film though as the program and its practitioners are all pretty amazing, and director Steve James (who made Hoop Dreams) has unparalleled access to these struggling communities.
What it won
DGA
1 nom
Spirit Awards
1 win
Sundance
1 nom
The story
The Interrupters tells the moving and surprising stories of three Violence Interrupters — former gang members who try to protect their Chicago communities from the violence they once caused.
Elsewhere
"James's approach is not analytical but emotional; his depiction of people bearing inextinguishable pain is empathetic and powerful..."
— Richard Brody
"A titanic piece of documentary filmmaking destined to have a real impact."
— Matt Bochenski
The details
The Other Dream Team
Marius A. Markevicius & Marius Markevicius
Wojnarowicz
Chris McKim
Gather
Sanjay Rawal
On the Record
Amy Ziering & Kirby Dick
Undefeated
Daniel Lindsay & T. J. Martin
Mr. Bachmann and His Class
Female director & Maria Speth
This Is Not a Film
Jafar Panahi & Mojtaba Mirtahmasb
Prophet’s Prey
Amy J. Berg
Who picked it
Tara Goe is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, reviewing films and shows across the major streaming services. Her work helps readers find overlooked titles worth their time.
