ICARUS
Bryan Fogel exposes a complex doping operation at the heart of Russia’s Olympics program.
Festival Section:
US Documentary Competition
Sundance Program Description:
The ruthless worlds of international sports and politics rarely collide as spectacularly on screen as they do in Bryan Fogel’s thriller that is sure to set off convulsions of controversy.
While investigating the furtive world of illegal doping in sports, Fogel connects with renegade Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov – a pillar of his country’s “anti-doping” program. Over dozens of Skype calls, urine samples, and badly administered hormone injections, Fogel and Rodchenkov grow closer despite shocking allegations that place Rodchenkov at the center of Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping program. When the truth is more complex than imagined, and accusations of illegalities run to Russia’s highest chains of command, the two realize they hold the power to reveal the biggest international sports scandal in living memory.
Exemplifying the special bond between filmmaker and subject, this is a vital portrait of the sacrifice some people will make to stand up for truth. ICARUS places you at the heart of an international game of cat and mouse, where a miscalculation can cost you your life.
Some Background:
Director/Producer:
This is Fogel’s documentary debut. He previously wrote and executive produced the film adaptation of his long-running stage comedy, JEWTOPIA.
Producers:
Past recent Sundance docs:
AUDRIE & DAISY (2016)
NOTES ON BLINDNESS (2016)
NUTS! (2016)
THE EAGLE HUNTRESS (2016)
CENSORED VOICES (2015)
THE HUNTING GROUND (2015)
SEMBENE! (2015)
DREAMCATCHER (2015)
HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD (2015)
CHUCK NORRIS VS COMMUNISM (2015)
WATCHERS OF THE SKY (2014)
WEB JUNKIE (2014)
Cogan is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Impact Partners, which facilitates connecting investors and philanthropists with nonfiction projects about pressing social issues, and has regularly brought films to Sundance. Impact also supported four other US Documentary Competition titles this year – DINA, STEP, TROPHY, and UNREST – and the Documentary Premieres title BENDING THE ARC.
General Catalyst managing director Fialkow is also a producer of BENDING THE ARC, and serves as an executive producer of fellow 2017 US Documentary Competition title CITY OF GHOSTS.
Past Sundance docs:
RACING EXTINCTION (2015)
SEMBENE! (2015)
E-TEAM (2014)
PANDORA’S PROMISE (2013)
CONNECTED (2011)
SECRETS OF THE TRIBE (2010)
TO CATCH A DOLLAR (2010)
SERGIO (2009)
SECRECY (2008)
Technology venture capitalist Swartz is a founding member of Impact Partners and a longtime Park City resident.
Co-Producers:
Past Sundance docs:
HOOLIGAN SPARROW (2016)
UNDER THE GUN (2016)
RACING EXTINCTION
DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD: THE STORY OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON (2015)
FED UP (2014)
WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL? (2013)
SOUND CITY (2013)
THE SUMMIT (2012)
CHASING ICE (2012)
THE TILLMAN STORY (2010)
THE COVE (2009)
Monroe is well known as a documentary screenwriter for the above titles, among others. For this film, he takes both a co-producer and screenwriter credit.
This is Schulhofer’s first film credit, and Siegman’s first Sundance film.
Executive Producers:
This film marks Rode’s Sundance debut after a background in reality TV and commercial clients. In addition to his executive producer role, he is also one of the doc’s editors.
Baird is also an executive producer on CITY OF GHOSTS. She previously produced CLIENT 9 and directed VENUS AND SERENA.
Past Sundance docs:
DREAMCATCHER
WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL?
THE INVISIBLE WAR (2012)
THE INTERRUPTERS (2011)
KNUCKLE (2011)
ROUGH AUNTIES (2009, World Cinema Documentary Grand Jury Prize)
Leifer is the founder and managing director of London-based Rise Films, and a two-time Emmy winner.
This is Sims’ first Sundance credit.
Editors:
Bertain also claims his first Sundance credit with this film.
Past Sundance docs:
KURT COBAIN: MONTAGE OF HECK (2015, additional editor)
UNDER THE ELECTRIC SKY (EDC 2013) (2014, supervising editor)
20 FEET FROM STARDOM (2013)
See above.
Additional Editors:
Volkmann previously served as an assistant editor on THE HUNTING GROUND.
Why You Should Watch:
As demonstrated in his gripping documentary debut, Fogel plays a critical personal role in the unfolding scandal of Russian doping which has generated international headlines, led to bans on athletes’ participation in competitions, and stripped winners of their medals.
More Info:
Website
For Sundance screening dates and times, click the film title in the first paragraph.
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