Push: Based on the novel by Sapphire

With sheer audacity and utter authenticity, director Lee Daniels tackles Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire and creates an unforgettable film that sets a new standard for cinema of its kind. Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) is a high-school girl with nothing working in her favor. She is pregnant with her father’s child—for the second time. She can’t read or write, and her schoolmates tease her for being fat. Her home life is a horror, ruled by a mother (Mo’Nique) who keeps her imprisoned both emotionally and physically. Precious’s instincts tell her one thing: if she’s ever going to break from the chains of ignorance, she will have to dig deeply into her own resources.Don’t be misled—Push is not a film wallowing in the stillness of depression; instead, it vibrates with the kind of energy derived only from anger and hope. The entire cast are amazing; they carry out a firestorm of raw emotion. Daniels has drawn from them inimitable performances that will rivet you to your seat and leave you too shocked to breathe. If you passed Precious on the street, you probably wouldn’t notice her. But when her story is revealed, as Daniels does in this courageous film, you are left with an indelible image of a young woman who—with creativity, humor, and ferocity—finds the strength to turn her life around.

Recipient of the Grand Jury Prize: U.S. Dramatic, the Audience Award presented by Honda: U.S. Dramatic, and A Special Jury Prize for Acting.

CAST
Gabourey Sidibe, Paula Patton, Mo’Nique, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz

Lee Daniels - Lee Daniels produced Monster's Ball, which made him the first African American sole producer of an Academy Award–winning film. His next producing credit was The Woodsman, which screened at Sundance in 2004, was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards, and received the CICAE Arthouse Prize at the Cannes International Film Festival and a special mention from the National Board of Review. Daniels made his directorial debut with Shadowboxer in 2005 and most recently produced Tennessee. At the request of Bill Clinton, he also produced public-service announcements to encourage young people of color to vote.

Screenings:

Fri. Jan 16 8:00 p.m. - PUSHH16RN Racquet Club, Park City
Sat. Jan 17 noon - PUSHH17BD Broadway Centre Cinemas VI, SLC
Tue. Jan 20 3:15 p.m. - PUSHH20CA Eccles Theatre, Park City
Wed. Jan 21 11:30 p.m. - PUSHH21PL Prospector Square Theatre, Park City
Fri. Jan 23 2:15 p.m. - PUSHH23RA Racquet Club, Park City