David Farnor | On 07, Jul 2020

Apple TV+ is releasing Boys State this August, and a new trailers gives us a first look at the political documentary.

The winner of the Grand Jury Prize for documentary at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Boys State immerses us in a week-long annual program in which a thousand Texas high school seniors gather for an elaborate mock exercise: building their own state government. There’s Ben, a Reagan-loving arch-conservative who brims with confidence despite personal setbacks, and Steven, a progressive-minded child of Mexican immigrants who stands by his convictions amidst the sea of red.

Filmmakers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine closely track the escalating tensions that arise, crafting a portrait of contemporary American masculinity as well as a microcosm of national political divisions.

A cinema release in the US is planned for 31st July, but regardless of what happens with cinemas amid the coronavirus pandemic, the film will be available to stream on Apple TV+ worldwide on 14th August. Here’s the trailer:

 

Apple TV+ bags Boys State rights at Sundance

28th January 2020

It’s not just Netflix that’s out in force at this year’s Sundance: Apple TV+ is also on the prowl for new titles, landing the global rights to the buzzy documentary Boys State.

In a highly competitive situation, the fledgling streaming platform has snapped up the rights to the film, which will be distributed by renowned, multiple Academy Award-winning film and television studio A24. Directed and produced by Directors Guild of America (DGA) Award nominee Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine (The Overnighters), Boys State made its debut to multiple standing ovations at every screening at the Utah festival.

A political coming-of-age story, Boys State is a raucous journey into the heart of American democracy through an annual rite of passage in which a thousand teenage boys from across Texas come together to build a representative government from the ground up. High-minded ideals collide with dirty tricks as four boys of diverse backgrounds and political views navigate the challenges of organising political parties, shaping consensus and campaigning for office. Through impeachment threats, dramatic debates and even nefarious internet memes, Boys State charts the twists and turns of these intersecting stories, revealing profound truths about our political choices and civic obligations, exposing the political fault lines in Texas and in our nation, and reminding us, ultimately, that democracy is not a spectator sport.

Boys State is a Concordia Studio presentation of a Mile End Films production. It is executive produced by Laurene Powell Jobs, Davis Guggenheim, Jonathan Silberberg and Nicole Stott, in their first deal since announcing the new Concordia Studio banner.

Moss and McBaine says: “It’s been an incredible experience watching audiences fall in love with the kids featured in Boys State at Sundance. Along with Concordia Studio, we are thrilled to partner with two incredible companies, Apple and A24, that will help bring Boys State to audiences all over the world.”

Boys State joins Apple’s original feature film slate, which includes the highly anticipated films from the company’s partnership with A24, including On The Rocks, directed by Academy Award winner Sofia Coppola, and The Sky Is Everywhere, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Josephine Decker.

Apple will also debut Beastie Boys Story, Dads, Wolfwalkers and The Banker.

Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute

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