At an early edition of MIFF, director Ed Radtke made a big splash with his indie feature . He’s back with a truly original work, shot in many film formats and full of the vibrancy and yes, speed, of life itself. Set in New York City, the film tells the story of a 13-year old boy who escapes the streets by stealing a video camera from tourists. Sammer wants to travel to faraway lands and explore the world, a world he sees primarily through the stolen videotapes. As he looks at the footage, his imagination unfurls and lifts him from his harsh life. An assortment of characters stand in his way: an ailing foster mom, an older brother getting out of prison, a juvenile probation officer who doesn't like juveniles, an ex-con who steals puppies, and an old man who thinks he can fly. The Speed of Life is a beautiful, quirky movie incorporating actual found footage and other people's home video footage into its remarkable narrative.

Sponsored by Melissa and John Oprendek

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