“DOCUTAH accepts only the highest quality of documentary film, whether feature length, shorts or student films. Each film must live up to the professional standards of seasoned award- winning filmmakers, who submit to DOCUTAH,” said Phil Tuckett, Professor of Digital Film and
Executive Director, DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival at Dixie State University. “It is a great honor that two fine films in our 2017 Festival were nominated for Oscars this year - Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405 - Documentary (Short) and Last Men in Aleppo -Documentary (Feature).
Both of these films received exceptional critical acclaim in prestigious publications including
Variety
,
IndieWire
and the
New Yorker Magazine
.”
“There is a real renaissance in documentary filmmaking now and audiences are craving these films, which help them relate to their own lives, understand the world around them and find common ground and empathy with others who may be close or may be experiencing events both horrific or beautiful in far flung regions of the world,” remarked Tuckett.
Both the horrors of war and the challenges of mental illness are topics which confront us every day in the news. These films give the audience real insight into the human spirit in its nobility, its ignominy and those who strive to overcome both. It is important that the Academy chooses to have categories to honor this important art form.
HEAVEN IS A TRAFFIC JAM ON THE 405
is
portrait of a brilliant artist who has always battled devastating depression and anxiety. Her hyper self- awareness has produced drawings and sculpture that describe her state of mind with powerful psychological precision. By examining her family history and a lifetime of her work we learn how art gave her a voice that saved her life. We learn how she has emerged from a life of darkness and isolation to a life that includes love, trust and laughter
Director:
Frank Stiefel
Origin:
United States