First-time writer-director David Robert Mitchell’s The Myth of the American Sleepover offers an intriguing portrait of summertime adolescence and the search for human connections.
The Myth of the American Sleepover had its U.S. premiere in March at the SXSW Film Fest, where it received a special jury prize for Best Ensemble Cast.
The film will receive its international premiere at the 2010 Cannes Film Fest, in the prestigious Critics Week series.
The story follows four young people on the last night of summer, their final night of freedom before the new school year starts. The teenagers cross paths as they explore the suburban wonderland they inhabit in search of love and adventure, chasing first kisses, elusive crushes, popularity and parties.
While looking for iconic teenage experiences, they also discover the quiet moments that will later become a part of their youth as they look back on with nostalgia.
Inspired by Mitchell’s experience growing up in Michigan, the tale offers a life-affirming, truthful and fresh take on the teen genre. The characters in this poignant and tender coming-of-age drama may be lost, a bit confused and full of angst, but ultimately the kids are alright (as the expression goes).
Starring a cast of young attractive newcomers in their feature film debuts and produced by Adele Romanski (“The Freebie”), “The Myth of the American Sleepover” is having its international premiere in the International Critics’ Week section, the first American film in five years to be selected for this honor.