American Promise
“Success is Our Only Option”
Synopsis
In 1999, filmmakers Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson turned the camera on themselves and began filming their five-year-old son, Idris, and his best friend, Seun, as they started kindergarten at the prestigious Dalton School just as the private institution was committing to diversify its student body. Their cameras continued to follow both families for another 12 years as the paths of the two boys diverged—one continued private school while the other pursued a very different route through the public education system.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
October 18, 2013
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson
- Original Score
- Miriam Cutler
- Original Title
- American Promise
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 15m
- Production Studios
- American Documentary, POV, Impact Partners, ITVS, Rada Studio
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson
Miriam Cutler
Errol Webber, Alfredo Alcántara, Jon Stuyvesant, Margaret Byrne
Erin Casper, Mary Manhardt, Andrew Siwoff
Cynthia Lopez, Michèle Stephenson, Joe Brewster, Simon Kilmurry
Department Leadership Roster
Joe Brewster
Director
Michèle Stephenson
Director
Erin Casper
Editor
Mary Manhardt
Editor
Andrew Siwoff
Editor
Michèle Stephenson
Producer
Miriam Cutler
Original Music Composer
Joe Brewster
Producer
Errol Webber
Director of Photography
Alfredo Alcántara
Director of Photography
Jon Stuyvesant
Director of Photography
Margaret Byrne
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for American Promise.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring American Promise.
MovieLens[20K:30K]
2010
Roger Ebert 4+ stars
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Frequently Asked Questions About American Promise
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is American Promise about?
In 1999, filmmakers Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson turned the camera on themselves and began filming their five-year-old son, Idris, and his best friend, Seun, as they started kindergarten at the prestigious Dalton School just as the private institution was committing to diversify its student body. Their cameras continued to follow both families for another 12 years as the paths of the two boys diverged—one continued private school while the other pursued a very different route through the public education system.
Who directed American Promise?
American Promise was directed by Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson.
Who stars in American Promise?
The principal cast of American Promise includes Idris Brewster, Oluwaseun Summers, Michèle Stephenson, Joe Brewster, Anthony Summers.
When was American Promise released and how long is it?
American Promise was released in 2013 with a total runtime of 2h 15m.
Who composed the musical score for American Promise?
The original motion picture soundtrack for American Promise was composed by Miriam Cutler.