Directed by Eric Trenkamp (Confederate Behavior, Waterboard), “American Bomber” is a feature narrative that combines a fictional story with a documentary-style telling that results in a powerful portrayal of a major social issue within contemporary America.
Recently released from military prison with a dishonorable discharge and a broken heart, John Hidell decides to travel to New York City. His preparations for his trip are inter-cut with documentary-style interviews with his mother and childhood acquaintances revealing his abusive childhood and his adoration of his older half-brother, Jim. Interviews with Army buddies reveal Hidell’s desire to become an Army Ranger in Afghanistan, like Jim. He enlists and the Army stations him in Arizona instead. Jim dies in Afghanistan and Hidell takes the news badly, hospitalizing a sergeant and earning six months in the brig. While serving out his sentence he meets Speiler, a charismatic sociopath who uses Hidell’s anger to manipulate him into joining an extremist militia group composed of former inmates.
Winner / Best Crime Feature, Manhattan Film Festival (Manhattan, NY)
Winner / Best Director, Art of Brooklyn Film Festival (Brooklyn, NY)
Winner / Best Feature Film, Mississippi International Film Festival (Jackson, MS)
Selected by the NYC Mayor’s Office to represent the city’s Made In NY program.
“A refreshing arty, Indie flick with a great soundtrack to polish it off.” – Cinema Chords
Extensive Bonus Material includes:
- Commentary with writer/director Eric Trenkamp, actors Rebekah Nelson and Michael C. Freeland, and cinematographer Sean Donnelly (90 minutes)
- Short film “American Bomber: The John William Hidell Story” (22 minutes)
- Q&A with writer/director Eric Trenkamp, actors Rebekah Nelson, Michael C. Freeland and Kenny Wade Marshall, and domestic terrorism expert Dr. Michael Kaune (13 minutes)
90 minutes on 1 disc / English language / Widescreen
HOW TO ORDER:
Public Performance and Digital Site Licenses are available through Soundview Media Partners. To inquire or to place an order, write to info@soundviewmediapartners.com or simply choose from the options below:
For group screening prices, please inquire.
In-home/personal use copies are available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/28hGjGY
Watch the trailer