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In the wake of the recent and controversial US election, this is a vital thriller torn from the headlines. It focuses on one level on a nefarious plot to use cyber-hacking as a means of stealing the 2016 election for the benefit of Donald Trump. But this film also takes to the streets, inserting its multiracial cast into actual demonstrations going on in New York at the time. In this regard, it is a rare film that recalls the trail-blazing Haskell Wexler classic MEDIUM COOL (1969), especially in the crackling energy that it conveys the very real danger that the cast was put in. Although you get the feeling that many of them would be protesting in the streets even without the movie.

AMERICAN THIEF deals directly with the roots of the Black Lives Matter movement and shows obvious threats of potential police brutality against those disenfranchised protesters who are lining the streets to make their voices heard. From the “man in the van” dispensing anti-establishment pearls of wisdom online, to the teen hacker who is determined to avenge the police who killed his father. This is a multi-character thriller that grabs you by the throat and never lets go. But above all, this is an exciting American indie film, ignited by energy, talent and self-righteous indignation.

Oldenburg Film Festival
  • Year
    2020
  • Runtime
    82 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Premiere
    Canadian Premiere
  • Rating
    Contains strong language
  • Director
    Miguel Silveira
  • Screenwriter
    Missy Hernandez, Michael Stolnicki, Miguel Silveira
  • Producer
    Michael Stolnicki
  • Executive Producer
    Mayra Auad, Aaron Scott Koen, Charles Martinez, Mario Peixoto
  • Cast
    Xisko Maximo Monroe, Khadim Diop, Ben Becher, Josefina Scaro
  • Cinematographer
    John Wakayama Carey
  • Editor
    Avram Dodson