How did two boyhood friends from Midland, Texas wind up arrested on terrorism charges at the 2008 Republican National Convention? Better This World follows the journey of David McKay (22) and Bradley Crowder (23) from political neophytes to accused domestic terrorists with a particular focus on the relationship they develop with a radical activist mentor in the six months leading up to their arrests. A dramatic story of idealism, loyalty, crime and betrayal, Better This World goes to the heart of the War on Terror and its impact on civil liberties and political dissent in post-9/11 America.

• Winner, Best Documentary Feature
  San Francisco International Film Festival, 2011
• Winner, Audience Award
  DocuWest Film Festival, Golden CO, 2011
• Winner, 2011 Sarasota Film Festival
  Best Documentary Feature
• Nominee, Gotham Best Documentary Award
• Nominee, Grierson Award
• Nominee, Cinema Eye Award 
• Nominee, IDA Best Documentary Award
  

More info: Better This World.com

Buy the DVD: Bullfrog Films

The Gotham Independent Film Awards, selected by distinguished juries and presented in New York City, the home of independent film, are the first honors of the film awards season. This public showcase honors the filmmaking community, expands the audience for independent films, and supports the work that IFP does behind the scenes throughout the year to bring such films to fruition.

A partnership between the Grierson Trust and the Festival, The Grierson Award for Best Documentary recognises outstanding feature-length documentaries of integrity, originality, technical excellence or cultural significance. The Award is presented in commemoration of John Grierson. Two-time BAFTA winner Adam Curtis will chair the jury, which also includes documentary filmmaker Kim Longinotto, and Grierson Trustees Mandy Changand Charlotte Moore.

This year’s shortlist is:

• BERNADETTE: NOTES ON A POLITICAL JOURNEY
  Lelia Doolan, Ireland
• BETTER THIS WORLD
  Katie Galloway, Kelly Duane de la Vega, USA
• THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE 1967-1975
  Goran Hugo Olsson, Sweden/USA
• DRAGONSLAYER
  Tristan Patterson
• DREAMS OF A LIFE
  Carol Morley, UK/Ireland
• INTO THE ABYSS: A TALE OF DEATH, A TALE OF LIFE
  Werner Herzog
• LAST DAYS HERE
  Don Argott & Demian Fenton, USA
• WHORES’ GLORY
  Michael Glawogger, Austria/Germany

Prison Town, USA weaves the absorbing tales of a laid-off mill worker-turned-guard, a tenacious dairy owner fighting “Prison Industries,” and a transplanted inmate family over the course of two years.

“Intriguing”
The New York Times

“Documentary Making at its Best”
San Francisco Chronicle

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From the moment David Brower first witnessed the extraordinary beauty of the Yosemite Valley, his life was tied to the fight to preserve the American wilderness for future generations. Monumental is the story of a true American legend, an artist, a publisher, a filmmaker and a zealous crusader whose fiery dedication and activism inspired the environmental movement.

“He accomplished more through the force of one man’s will than any of his breed since John Muir.”
- Los Angeles Times

“An inspiring testament to the power of the individual.”
- Mother Jones

“Hauntingly beautiful. Terrific music!”
- Seattle Times

“Stylish and substantial. Richly cinematic!”
- Variety

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In 1999, celebrity Mayor Willie Brown ruled San Francisco and appeared to be a shoo-in for re-election to a second term. Twelve candidates wanted his job, but the only threat was a write-in candidate – openly gay city supervisor and stand-up comedian Tom Ammiano.

What ensued was a David vs. Goliath showdown mired in intense political backstabbing and media fighting that was all captured on film.

In the spirit of such hit films as Primary Colors and The War Room, See How They Run is the ultimate insider’s look at campaign politics.

“Startingly Candid”
The San Francisco Examiner

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