Ross McElwee reflects on his family's connection to the tobacco industry in North Carolina, linking it to the 1950 film "Bright Leaf" and its cultural implications.
Synopsis
Ross McElwee reflects on his family's connection to the tobacco industry in North Carolina, linking it to the 1950 film "Bright Leaf" and its cultural implications.
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Synopsis
Ross McElwee reflects on his family's ties to the tobacco industry in North Carolina. The film connects his personal narrative to the 1950 film "Bright Leaf," which tells the story of a rivalry between tobacco barons. McElwee's great-grandfather is believed to have inspired one of the characters in that film. Through interviews with figures like Patricia Neal and Allan Gurganus, the documentary presents a personal and historical look at the cultural significance of tobacco in the South.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet filmmaker Ross McElwee and his family history.
- See the connection between tobacco and Duke University.
- Find out about the 1949 novel and 1950 film 'Bright Leaf.'
Did You Know
- Bright Leaves premiered at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.
- The film won the National Society of Film Critics Awards for 'Best Non-Fiction Film' in 2005.
- Patricia Neal, a cast member, was the leading lady in the 1950 film 'Bright Leaf.'
- The documentary received a Gotham Awards nomination for 'Best Documentary' in 2004.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What year did Bright Leaves premiere at the Cannes Film Festival?
Bright Leaves had its world premiere at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.
Who directed the documentary Bright Leaves?
Bright Leaves was directed by independent filmmaker Ross McElwee.
What awards did Bright Leaves win?
In 2005, Bright Leaves won the National Society of Film Critics Awards for 'Best Non-Fiction Film'.
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