36th Film Independent Spirit Awards: “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” — Best Documentary

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

BEST DOCUMENTARY

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INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS — FILM #5 of 33
FEBRUARY 22, 2021
NETFLIX

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Nicole Newnham & James Lebrecht

Film Synopsis

Down the road from Woodstock, a revolution blossomed in a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, transforming their lives and igniting a landmark movement. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution is an untold story co-directed by Emmy® Award winner Nicole Newnham, and film mixer and former camper Jim LeBrecht. Executive producers include President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Tonia Davis and Priya Swaminathan, and Oscar® nominee Howard Gertler (How to Survive a Plague).

Looking at Best Documentary

Executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” brings to light the fight that a group of disabled people went through in the 1970s. Spanning the lives of several key revolution players, from their troubles as kids and being sent to a camp that was Rock’N’Roll in all the right ways, to fighting the government for a chance to make the world accessible to them. With some honest interviews, a plethora of archival footage, and just the right bit of humor, “Crip Camp” definitely tells a story we’re not used to hearing.

All five documentaries are strong contenders this year. They are all on the Oscars shortlist for Best Documentary Feature. As far as the award season has gone up to this point, “Collective,” “Dick Johnson Is Dead,” and “Time” have been honored much more than “Crip Camp.” In my personal opinion, one of those documentaries has a better chance of winning here. What not to count out… the power behind Barack and Michelle’s executive producer credits.

BEST DOCUMENTARY
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1. “Crip Camp: Disability Revolution”