Some of the year’s most intriguing documentaries often get their start at Sundance Film Festival and 2013 was no exception. For first-time filmmaker Zachary Heinzerling, it was quite a welcoming. The helmer picked up the top directing award for his documentary Cutie and the Boxer, not to mention acquisition from The Wieinstein Company off-shoot Radius-TWC.
With the film landing in theaters next month, the first trailer has now popped up, which introduces Ushio Shinohara and Noriko Shinohara, a couple dedicated to art. Having been married for forty years, the film dives into their relationship and struggles that come with their craft. The film got some strong reviews out of Park City and went on to Tribeca and more, so we can’t wait to see what’s in store. Check out the trailer and poster below.
Synopsis:
Once a rising star in the ‘70s New York art scene, 80-year-old “boxing” painter Ushio Shinohara hopes to reinvigorate his career as he preps for his latest show. His wife, and de facto assistant, Noriko, seeks her own recognition through her “Cutie” illustrations, which depict their chaotic, yet sustained, 40-year marriage. Heinzerling’s camera captures the Brooklyn-based couple at home and at work, combining candid vérité scenes, archival footage and charming animated sequences of Noriko’s drawings. CUTIE AND THE BOXER captures two lives united by a dedication to art-making for a touching meditation on the eternal themes of love and sacrifice.
Cutie and the Boxer hits on August 16th.