June 27, 2014 US/Pacific
THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY:
The Story of Aaron Swartz.
Los Angeles, CA -
Filmmaker Brian Knappenberger's THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY: The Aaron Swartz Story is
a timely, necessary documentary that eloquently sheds light on Aaron Swartz and his continued imprint on technology, social justice and
the need for equal access to information; and, how his death continues to effect us all.
SYNOPSIS: The story tells of programming prodigy and information activist
Aaron Swartz. From Swartz's help in the development of the basic internet protocol RSS to his co-founding of Reddit,
his fingerprints are all over the internet. But it was Swartz's groundbreaking work in social justice and political
organizing combined with his aggressive approach to information access that ensnared him in a two-year
legal nightmare. It was a battle that ended with the taking of his own life at the age of 26.
It was January 11, 2013, when the internet lost one of its greatest voices. Aaron Swartz, the much celebrated
"internet freedom activist," died at the age of 26. Numerous leading internet figures and
friends paid tribute to him. Tim Berners-Lee,
when eulogizing him to the world through twitter,
so eloquently said, "Aaron dead. World wanderers, we have lost a wise elder. Hackers for right, we are one down. Parents all, we have lost a child. Let us weep."
It was after Aaron's death that Filmmaker Brian Knappenberger became accutely aware of the profound affect Aaron had, and continued to have,
on the world he left behind. Knappenberger, creator of numerous documentaries, commercials and feature films, was on a panel in NYC
discussing his newest project, WE ARE LEGION: The Documentary,
when he was approached by those who knew Aaron well and were still mourning his death. Moved by the huge outpouring of sympathy by both those who were close to Aaron and the global many who firmly held to Aaron's
beliefs, Knappenberger knew that Aaron's story had to be told.
Filmmaker Brian Knappenberger discusses his view on Aaron's impact on the internet, social justice, and access for all: Then, Now, and Into the future.
Listen to the interview to know what Knappenberger wishes was in the film and what he hopes the viewer will walk away with after seeing it.
In THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY: The Aaron Swartz Story,
Knappenberger strikes a perfect balance between respect for Aaron and his family, the impact of Aaron's work overall on the internet, and
the adoration of the many who upheld Aaron's activism and convictions.
The viewer is taken through Aaron's younger years, into who he was becoming and up to his untimely death. For those who were aware of Aaron Swartz's work, the film is a beautiful ode to
his remarkable ability, genius, and character. For those who were unaware (or less aware), the film does justice to a most necessary
introduction.
THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY is simply told. Straightforward, filled with impassioned quotes, quips, and stories of Aaron's life,
work, and beliefs, Knappenberger has succeeded in telling Aaron Swartz's life story; and, additionally, reveals how those
complex and relevant issues that Aaron so strongly championed are still compelling and important today.
Knappenberger has taken on the huge responsibility of getting Aaron's story right. With this film, he has definitely
succeeded. The responsibility to continue Aaron's fights are now on us - the users of technology; those who access the internet;
and, the purveyors of freedom, equality, and net neutrality. The least we can do is watch the film. For the sake of our future, may we do more.
Aaron used his skills for the betterment of humanity. He would want you to know that you can, too.
THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY: The Story of Aaron Swartz
opens in theaters across the nation on June 27 and on demand.
For more information on THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY: The Aaron Swartz Story, you can visit them online at
THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY, on facebook at
THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY Fan Page and
on twitter at @InternetsOwnBoy.
THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY: The Aaron Swartz Story is playing at the
LAEMMLE Pasadena from June 27, 2014 through July 3, 2014.
Film: THE INTERNET'S OWN BOY: The Aaron Swartz Story
Director: Brian Knappenberger ("We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists")
Writer: Brian Knappenberger
Producer: Brian Knappenberger
Executive Producers: Charles Annenberg Weingarten, Zach Braff, and Mason Fink.
Score Composer: John Dragonetti
Opening Theatrically: In Theaters, On Demand and Digitally - Friday, June 27, 2014
Total Running Time: 105 minutes
Rating: this film is not rated
PR: TC:DM | David Magdael and Associates
Official Selection - 2014 Sundance Film Festival
Official Selection - 2014 SXSW Film Festival
Opening Night - 2014 Hot Docs Film Festival
Official Selection - 2014 IFF Boston Film Festival
Official Selection - 2014 Montclair Film Festival
Official Selection - 2014 Seattle International Film Festival
Official Selection - 2014 Sheffield International Film Festival
Gus Summers is the Host and Broadcast Producer for The "IN Show, an entertaining broadcast that covers all things exciting and enlightening.
When Gus isn't busy covering current events and interesting people, you'll see him out and about enjoying all that the City of Angels has to offer.
For any questions, comments, or program ideas, he can be reached at gus@theinshow.com.
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