As a fervent admirer of documentaries that delve deep into historical events and the power of art to uplift communities, I was deeply moved by “Kiss the Future”. The film’s journey from the Berlin International Film Festival to the screens of over 130 theaters across the US was nothing short of inspiring.
As a devoted admirer, let me share my thoughts on the remarkable journey of “Kiss the Future,” a documentary by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. This masterpiece was first unveiled at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2023, marking the start of an award-winning festival run. The film delves into the Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War in the ’90s and U2’s concert held shortly after the conflict ended in 1997. It’s a profound reflection on the resilience of art amidst despair.
As a dedicated cinephile, I was disappointed to learn that my much-anticipated film, “Kiss the Future,” won’t be competing for an Oscar this year. Despite being screened nationwide in over 130 theaters and having a successful festival run, it seems our documentary was disqualified due to a technicality – it wasn’t shown three times a day as required. The film’s esteemed creators, Affleck, Damon, and Sarah Anthony, had previously addressed this issue in a detailed statement sent to the Academy in mid-August.
Initially debuting at Berlinale in February 2023 as a competition entry, the movie went on to be chosen as the opening film for the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023 and the Sarajevo Film Festival in August 2023, winning the Audience Award. After being showcased at several other festivals, it had a two-week theatrical release by AMC starting in February 2024 across 139 theaters nationwide in the U.S. Despite this, there were no three-times daily screenings scheduled for New York or Los Angeles by the programmers.
Regarding the filmmakers’ thoughtful appeal, the Academy chose to uphold their contentious decision regarding Kiss the Future. Upon reconsideration of its eligibility, they firmly maintained that it did not meet their criteria and made it known that they were unlikely to alter their position in the near future. The Academy’s statement:
Regarding your appeal for ‘KISS THE FUTURE’ documentary, I regret to say that it has been declined. The film was found ineligible according to our review by the Documentary Branch Executive Committee. Although we understand this may be disheartening, please know that the matter was given careful consideration. It’s important to note that difficult decisions like these are part of ensuring fairness and consistency among all submissions. Rest assured that the committee does not make such calls lightly.
What Kiss the Future is About & Where You Can Watch It
Under the guidance of director Nenad Cicin-Sain, the documentary titled “Kiss the Future” draws inspiration from Bill Carter’s book “Fools Rush In“. This compelling piece chronicles the author’s personal journey in the war-stricken city of Sarajevo during the early ’90s. The documentary serves as a tribute to the resilient spirit and creativity of Sarajevo’s citizens, who despite the devastating impact of war, continued to nurture their underground music and art scenes. These artistic endeavors culminated in U2 becoming the first major musical act to stage a post-war concert in Sarajevo, an event that took place in 1997. Besides interviewing locals, “Kiss the Future” includes discussions with Bono and the rest of U2 band about the conflict and their memorable Sarajevo performance.
An American aid worker asks U2 to help raise awareness about the siege of Sarajevo, Bosnia. The band immediately begins a series of live satellite interviews with local Sarajaevans during their 1993 ZOO TV Tour to highlight the dire situation.
Kiss the Future
can be streamed exclusively on Paramount+.
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2024-09-25 00:33