The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz
The digital age has produced many influential figures, but few stories are as poignant and complex as that of Aaron Swartz. The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz is a 2014 American biographical documentary that delves into the life and legacy of the internet pioneer. Written, directed, and produced by Brian Knappenberger, the film provides a detailed look at Swartz's contributions to the web and the controversies that surrounded his final years.
Key Facts
- Director: Brian Knappenberger
- Premiere: January 20, 2014, at the Sundance Film Festival
- Runtime: 105 minutes
- Distribution: Participant Media and FilmBuff
- Licensing: Released online under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 license
Production and Creative Team
The documentary was a concentrated effort led by Brian Knappenberger, who served as the writer, director, and producer. The visual storytelling was captured through the cinematography of Knappenberger, Scott Sinkler, and Lincoln Else. The editing process involved a collaborative team including Jason Decker, Andy Robertson, Bryan Storkel, and Michelle M. Witten, with a musical score composed by John Dragonetti.
The film was produced by Luminant Media and Unjustsus Films, ensuring a professional biographical approach to Swartz's complex history.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Release History and Global Distribution
The film first gained attention when it premiered in the US Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2014. Following this successful debut, distribution rights were acquired by Participant Media and FilmBuff.
The documentary reached a wider audience through several channels:
- Theatrical and VOD: Released in the United States on June 27, 2014.
- Television: Premiered on the Pivot network in late 2014 and later aired on the BBC's Storyville brand in January 2015.
- Film Festivals: Screened at SXSW on March 15, 2014, and served as the opening film for the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival on April 24, 2014.
International Recognition
The film's impact extended to the United Kingdom, where it premiered at Sheffield Doc/Fest in June 2014, winning the Sheffield Youth Jury Award. Additionally, it was screened at the Barbican Centre in London during Wikimania 2014 in August.
Film Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Biographical Documentary |
| Release Date (US) | June 27, 2014 |
| Running Time | 105 minutes |
| Box Office | $48,911 |
| Language | English |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed The Internet's Own Boy?
The film was written, directed, and produced by Brian Knappenberger.
When and where did the film premiere?
It premiered on January 20, 2014, at the Sundance Film Festival within the US Documentary Competition category.
How can the film be accessed online?
The film was released on the internet under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 license, which allows for certain types of sharing and adaptation.
What awards did the documentary win?
The film won the Sheffield Youth Jury Award at the Sheffield Doc/Fest in June 2014.
Which companies distributed the movie?
The distribution rights were held by Participant Media and FilmBuff.