Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibilityHalf Nelson | 2026 Sundance Film Festival
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Park City Legacy

Half Nelson

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United States2006106 minEnglish
Half Nelson

A New York City middle school teacher with a drug habit forms an unlikely friendship with one of his students after she discovers his secret.

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A New York City middle school teacher with a drug habit forms an unlikely friendship with one of his students after she discovers his secret.

Dan (Ryan Gosling) is a man of contradictions: a dedicated teacher who cares for his students, yet relies on drugs to dull his existential pain. Drey (Shareeka Epps) is an unflinching teen who’s used to flawed adults and doesn’t judge his poor decisions. Even as Dan tries to keep her away from local dealer Frank (Anthony Mackie), it’s increasingly clear he’s the one in danger of slipping.

Roger Ebert called Half Nelson a “miraculous movie,” and 20 years later it still feels that way. The debut feature by Ryan Fleck — co-written with Anna Boden, who also edited the film — Half Nelson premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and earned Gosling his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor. It is an insightful, captivating story about complicated characters that avoids self-pity and moralizing conclusions. — AT

A new digital restoration

Available in person only.

Park City LegacyAll FeaturesBIPOC StoriesFirst-Time FeaturesDramaFictionClosed CaptionU.S. Only- less

Screenings

in persononline not available
  • Jan 29, 5:30 PM MST
    Screening

    The Ray Theatre

    Park City

    THIS FILM IS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE

Credits

  • Director(s)

    Ryan Fleck

  • Screenwriters

    Anna Boden

    Ryan Fleck

  • Producers

    Anna Boden

    Lynette Howell Taylor

    Rosanne Korenberg

    Alex Orlovsky

    Jamie Patricof

  • Co-Producer

    Jeremy Kipp Walker

  • Executive Producers

    Charlie Corwin

    Doug Dey

    Clara Markowicz

    Paul Mezey

    Scott London

  • Associate Producer

    Hunter Gray

  • Cinematographer

    Andrij Parekh

  • Editor

    Anna Boden

  • Music by

    Broken Social Scene

  • Principal Cast

    Shareeka Epps

    Ryan Gosling

    Tina Holmes

    Anthony Mackie

    Deborah Rush

    Jay O. Sanders

  • Contact

    Rachel Halilej

    rachel@huntinglane.com

Meet the Artist

Panelist Name

Ryan Fleck

    Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden broke out with the Sundance Film Festival hit Half Nelson starring Ryan Gosling, who received an Academy Award nomination. They co-wrote and directed the billion-dollar box office–grossing Captain Marvel and the independent films Sugar, Mississippi Grind, and Freaky Tales. In television, they directed and executive produced Mrs. America and Masters of the Air.

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