Hot Docs

From Academy Award-nominated director Steve James (Hoop Dreams), The Interrupters is a powerful story of three ‘violence interrupters’ who return to their Chicago neighbourhoods to stand in the middle of violence and mediate the complexities stemming from gang and territorial fighting. Shot over the course of a year, the film follows the work of CeaseFire, a progressive organization that believes the spread of violence imitates the spread of infectious disease and can be stopped at its source. With their own complicated histories, CeaseFire members Ameena, Cobe and Eddie hold enormous street credibility, which helps them navigate a tumultuous time in Chicago’s history marked by street violence. The heroic work done by these characters provides a powerful model and one of this year’s most inspiring films. Heather Haynes

Media Coverage

• Toronto Star review (recommended)
• Criticize This Hot Docs Preview