Rich Hill

Winner of the Documentary Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, this intimate and shattering documentary is set in the impoverished town of Rich Hill, Missouri. Here life is very challenging for three teenagers with hopes and dreams. There is Andrew, age 13, whose mother is ill and whose father cannot provide for his family at all. Andrew is the All-American boy—athletic, devoted to his family, and trying to build a life. Harley is 15-years-old and deals with severe anger. Previously abused by his stepfather and with his mother currently in prison, Harley's grandmother now takes care of him—though Harley needs more than she can give. Finally there is Appachey, age 12, who needs medication for multiple behavioral disorders and whose mother is unable to control him. He has just assaulted a classmate and may be institutionalized. Evoking the bleakness and beauty of Rich Hill, this film fearlessly enters these boys' homes and hearts. It is both a warning about letting what is precious slip away and a celebration of families fighting against all odds to give their children a chance. —C.R.