Just as Orson Welles made the trek across the Atlantic more than 75 year ago, the documentary about his politics, American: An Odyssey to 1947, is headed to Europe.
The Danny Wu-directed documentary will be screened at the prestigious Thessaloniki Documentary Festival in Greece on March 5. Its inclusion is important in launching the film’s chances for Oscar consideration next year.
The Greek documentary festival dates back to 1999 and is highly regarded among documentarians. Since 2018, the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival has been one of the 28 festivals included in the American Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences Documentary Feature Qualifying Festival List.
American: An Odyssey to 1947 looks at Welles’ progressive views and the changing political landscape of the 1930s and ’40s. American includes Welles’ crusade to bring to justice the white police officer who blinded Black serviceman Isaac Woodard. The documentary makes makes use of archival footage with commentary by Welles scholars and authors including Catherine Benamou, James Naremore, Simon Callow, Harlan Lebo, Richard France and Todd Tarbox.
Wu (My Life in China During a Pandemic, Square One: Michael Jackson) told Wellesnet he views Welles as someone “very politically educated (who) was very ahead of his time, and for the most part very consistent… He stuck to his beliefs, even if it meant damaging his reputation, or losing ticket sales.”
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