Director Destin Daniel Cretton is being honored once again by Heartland Truly Moving Pictures. Last year Cretton’s film I Am Not a Hipster was chosen as an Official Selection in the 2012 Heartland Film Festival. His latest directorial effort, Short Term 12, is now being recognized as a Truly Moving Picture Award (TMPA) winner.
“The Truly Moving Picture Award jury appreciated the powerful story of Short Term 12 and the gritty realness in which the film was shot,” explains Heartland’s Artistic Director, Tim Irwin. “Key scenes really showcase the characters’ mentor/mentee relationships in unique, authentic ways, resonating well with the jury. The film ends with a realistic yet hopeful message that will remain with the viewer long after they see the film.”
Select theatrically-released films that offer more than mere entertainment are honored with the TMPA: these films inspire, educate and engage audiences and filmmakers alike. Heartland bestows the TMPA to approximately 15-20 films a year that impact their targeted audiences in a meaningful way. Submissions are received directly from studios and producers for consideration.
Short Term 12 will be in theaters Friday, August 23. Visit ShortTerm12.com for information.
“Short Term 12″ is told through the eyes of Grace (Brie Larson), a twenty- something supervisor at a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers. Passionate and tough, Grace is a formidable caretaker of the kids in her charge – and in love with her long-term boyfriend and co-worker, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.).
But Grace’s own difficult past – and the surprising future that suddenly presents itself – throw her into unforeseen confusion, made all the sharper with the arrival of a new intake at the facility – Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever), a gifted but troubled teenage girl with whom Grace has a charged connection.
She and Mason also struggle to help Marcus (Keith Stanfield) – an intense, quiet kid who is about to turn 18 – manage through the difficulty of having to leave the facility.
Grace comes to find – in both her work and the new teenager in her care – surprising sources of redemption. And while the subject matter is complex and often dark, this lovingly realized film finds truth – and humor – in unexpected places.
