ATHLETE A
Synopsis
From the directors of AUDRIE & DAISY and AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL, ATHLETE A is a feature-length documentary about the search for truth in the aftermath of one of the greatest scandals in the history of sports. In March 2016, a team of reporters from The Indianapolis Star began investigating claims of abuse in USA Gymnastics. Two years later, an Olympic doctor is behind bars, dozens of coaches have been banned, and hundreds of survivors are speaking out, including Maggie Nichols, dubbed “Athlete A” because she was the first to report Dr. Larry Nassar’s abuse to USAG. This film follows the IndyStar reporters as they reveal the extensive cover-up that allowed abuse to thrive within elite-level gymnastics, the attorney who is fighting the institutions that failed these athletes, and most importantly, the brave whistle-blowers who refuse to be silenced. A dramatic, devastating and ultimately inspiring film, ATHLETE A celebrates the power of truth as America searches for a new way forward in this beloved sport.
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The Filmmakers
Bonni Cohen Director
Bonni Cohen has produced and directed an array of award-winning films. Most recently, Bonni co-directed AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER which was selected to be the opening night film of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Paramount in summer 2017. In 2016 Bonni co-directed the Peabody Award winning film AUDRIE & DAISY, which premiered in competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and was picked up as a Netflix Original film.
Jon Shenk Director
Jon Shenk has directed and photographed many award-winning films. Most recently, Jon co-directed and photographed AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER which was selected to be the opening night film of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Paramount in summer 2017. In 2016 Jon co-directed and photographed the Peabody Award winning film AUDRIE & DAISY, which premiered in competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and was picked up as a Netflix Original film. In 2011 Jon directed THE ISLAND PRESIDENT, winner of the 2011 TIFF’s People’s Choice Award and IDA’s Pare Lorentz Award. Jon was awarded the 2004 Independent Spirit Award for directing LOST BOYS OF SUDAN. Shenk was the DP for the 2008 Academy Award-winning SMILE PINKI, and he won an Emmy for BLAME SOMEBODY ELSE, 2007.
Festivals & Awards
News & Documentary Emmy Awards
2021
Winner - Outstanding Investigative Documentary
Nominee - Best Documentary
Grierson Trust British Documentary Award
2021
Nominee - Best Sports Documentary
BAFTA Awards
2021
Longlist - Best Documentary
Peabody Awards
2020
Nominee - Documentary
Tribeca Film Festival
2020
Official Selection
SFFilm Festival
2020
Official Selection
DOC10 Film Festival
2020
Official Selection
Critics' Choice Documentary Awards
2020
Winner - Best Sports Documentary
Nominee - Best Documentary
Nominee - Best Director
Nominee - Best Editing
Reviews
“Meticulous [and] emotional ... ATHLETE A excavates one of modern sports’ most horrific abusers and systems ... Hopefully, [it] can contribute to ending it for good.”
“Disturbing and illuminating ... ATHLETE A is a testament to [the survivors'] perseverance, and to the courage of all those who stood up in court to face the man who had violated their humanity. But it’s also a testament to the obsession that gave cover to their abuse — to a culture that wanted winners at any cost.”
“Fascinating and sensitively handled ... [Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk] keep survivors at the very center of the story.”
“[ATHLETE A] is a terrific journalism movie, but it’s also a story of young women who persevered and found justice against the odds.”