Writer and filmmaker Davy Rothbart, who has deep roots in Ann Arbor, will present the Ann Arbor premiere of his new film “17 BLOCKS” at the Michigan Theater on March 18 at 6 p.m.
“I’m really proud of our film “17 BLOCKS” and so excited to share it with my hometown audience,” Rothbart said. “It’s a stunning one-of-a-kind 20-year documentary project that plunges folks into the Sanford family’s life in raw and intimate ways. It’s a film about love, loss, hope and resilience, and I think it will inspire people and open their hearts. I often see audiences emerging from the theater with tears streaming down their faces and wide smiles on their faces.”
Rothbart was born and raised in Ann Arbor, graduated from the University of Michigan, and later returned to live in the city during his 20s and 30s.
“I rep (represent) Ann Arbor constantly in my travels around the country and world and am always proud to call Ann Arbor my home,” Rothbart said.
Many individuals who worked on “17 BLOCKS” are also Ann Arbor natives, including producer Rachel Dengiz, videographer A.J. Wilhelm and music supervisor Mike DiBella.
“The global success of this film is truly a hometown accomplishment,” Rothbart said.
According to Rothbart, “17 BLOCKS” took over 20 years to complete.
“I started filming with the Sanford Family in Southeast D.C. in 1999,” Rothbart said. “We kept filming for more than 20 years. The movie has been called ‘BOYHOOD meets BOYZ N’ THE HOOD,’ which I think is really on point.”
Rothbart emphasized how remarkable it is to see people age and change over decades on screen.
“The Sanfords are so courageous for filming for so long and sharing such a brave and personal story,” Rothbart said.
While Rothbart began as a writer, he transitioned into film due to his deep love for the medium.
“Thanks to my dad, I grew up as a real movie buff,” Rothbart said. “He’d take me to the Michigan Theater, the State, the Ann Arbor 1 & 2, and even strange international films and documentaries showing on campus. So, I always loved movies and dreamed of one-day making movies of my own.”
Rothbart also recalls specific moments at Community High School that helped shape his journey:
“Camping trips to Pt. Pelee and Crooked Lake with my fellow students and forum leaders Mike Mouradian and Elaine Headley,” Rothbart said. “Encouragement for my writing from Judith Dewoskin and fellow students and putting together our lit magazine ‘Free Verse.’ Wild times with the late great Tom Dodd and building ‘The Communicator’ weekly newspaper. Lessons learned not just on academics but on how to live life from other legendary teachers like Marion Evashevski, Vicky Henry, Brian Miller, Marilyn Scott and more. And of course, most important of all, my fellow students: a family of sorts I still feel deeply connected to, more than 30 years after graduation.”
At the University of Michigan, Rothbart was particularly interested in Creative Writing and was drawn to studying with greats like Charles Baxter, Eileen Pollack, Ken Mikolowski, Warren Hecht and Nick Delbanco.
“Also, the Residential College was especially appealing to me — a kind of Community High School lodged within the larger University,” Rothbart said. “The RC was a perfect fit for me…I majored in Creative Writing.”
He also credits NPR as a significant influence.
“I joined the ‘This American Life’ team when the show was young and had the chance to be mentored by legends Ira Glass, Julie Snyder (SERIAL), and Alex Blumberg (GIMLET),” Rothbart said. “These are storytelling gurus who taught me everything about storytelling in all forms. The lessons I learned working with that radio show for over a decade remain a key influence on all my work.”
“17 BLOCKS” is already receiving rave reviews.
The film currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The New York Times has called it “Unshakeable!” and listed it as one of the great documentaries of the 21st century.
Variety has called it “A singular achievement in documentary film.”
Other accolades include:
- Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary (nominee)
- Two Cinema Eye Award nominations
- Over two dozen Best Documentary Awards at film festivals worldwide, including Tribeca, Telluride, San Francisco, Woodstock and many more
“Please come join us on March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Michigan Theater for the Ann Arbor premiere of ’17 BLOCKS,'” Rothbart said. “This is a one-time, one-of-a-kind event, and it will be extremely meaningful and memorable. Do whatever you need to do to make it down!”
The event is FREE, and you can sign up using this link: forms.gle/yhGsBmmiK19R6BT86
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
