Olsen delivers an effortless performance, showing terrific range in a story that requires her to be humiliated, sodomized, chased, controlled. Many are talking Oscar nomination, and it’s not a far-fetched proposition.

Here’s strong evidence that the West African cinematic tradition has an important place in the world of film, one that is adept at incorporating new wave influence.

Can art inspire change, and elevate the soul of a neighborhood?

The acting is gritty and raw, none of the surreal gloss that covers big budget Hollywood numbers.

I exclaimed, “Jim Henson’s the James Cameron of puppets!” Then paused, “Oh- perhaps, James Cameron is the Jim Henson of film making…”

Desperate determination is pitted against personal moral choices in a world where one has been dealt a bad hand.

American Teacher is based on the premise that teachers are the most important school-based factor in a child’s future success.

Is government bureaucracy threatening America’s access to healthy, locally-grown food? Filmmaker Kristen Canty is out to reveal the truth in this documentary.

Soul Surfer is the incredible, true story of thirteen year old champion surfer Bethany Hamilton’s (AnnaSophia Robb) inspiring recovery from a terrifying shark attack that took her left arm.

It could be considered part of the “Direct Cinema” 1960′s movement which adopted a philosophy of reactive film-making.