Sergio

Based on the biography Chasing the Flame by Samantha Power, Sergio is the story of the United Nation’s go-to guy. A cross between James Bond and Bobby Kennedy, Sergio Vieira de Mello could descend into the most dangerous places, charm the worst war criminals, and somehow protect the lives of the ordinary people to whom he'd devoted his life. After a string of doomed relationships, he was about to finally settle down with the woman he loved. And then came the call: another crisis, and Sergio was the only man for the job. Persuaded by Kofi Anaan, Condoleezza Rice, and Tony Blair, Sergio reluctantly took up his post as U.N. ambassador to Iraq.On August 19, 2003, a bomb struck the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad, marking a watershed moment in history. For the first time, the U.N. had become the target of terrorism. The news shocked the world. With visceral immediacy, filmmaker Greg Barker recreates the events of a day that will forever live in infamy. Harrowing testimony from Sergio’s fiancée and the military paramedics who risked their own lives to save him is interlaced with haunting footage shot on the day of the bombing and reenactments of the rescue attempt. Devastatingly powerful, Sergio paints a portrait of a man who gambled with his own life to restore dignity to the lives of others.

Recipient of the U.S. Documentary Editing Award.

CAST

Greg Barker - A former war correspondent, Greg Barker draws on his years of experience overseas, filming and working in more than 50 countries across six continents, to make thought-provoking, character-driver documentaries about the complex world we live in. His films include the award-winning Ghosts of Rwanda and several other investigative films for the flagship PBS series Frontline. Sergio is his first feature-length documentary film.

Screenings:

Sat. Jan 17 6:00 p.m. - SERGI17TE Temple Theatre, Park City
Sun. Jan 18 11:59 p.m. - SERGI184L Holiday Village Cinema IV, Park City
Mon. Jan 19 9:45 p.m. - SERGI19BN Broadway Centre Cinemas V, SLC
Tue. Jan 20 9:00 p.m. - SERGI20SN Screening Room, Sundance Resort
Wed. Jan 21 noon - SERGI21TD Temple Theatre, Park City
Fri. Jan 23 2:30 p.m. - SERGI23PA Prospector Square Theatre, Park City