SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui wins Audience Award

HamptonsFilm announced today that SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY has won the coveted Audience Award at the 16th annual SummerDocs Series. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the documentary captivated viewers with its poignant portrayal of Christopher Reeve’s life, from his meteoric rise to fame as the iconic Superman to the tragic 1995 horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed, sparking his dedication to disability rights activism.

The documentary premiered on August 14 at the Guild Hall of East Hampton. After the screening, audiences were treated to an insightful Q&A with executive producer Connor Schell and Reeve’s son, Will Reeve. The discussion was moderated by HamptonsFilm Artistic Director David Nugent and Chairman Emeritus Alec Baldwin, adding even more depth to the film’s exploration of Reeve’s life and legacy.

As part of the annual SummerDocs Series, SUPER/MAN stood out among a strong lineup of documentaries, which included SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY directed by Jeff Zimbalist and Maria Bukhonina, and WAR GAME by Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber. The SummerDocs program is known for curating some of the most anticipated documentaries of the year, and this season’s selection was no exception.

“Each year, our SummerDocs program aims to highlight powerful stories that challenge perceptions and open hearts and minds,” said Nugent. “Our audiences responded to SUPER/MAN for exactly those reasons. It was a pleasure to host the film, along with Connor Schell and Will Reeve, and to recognize this beautiful tribute to Christopher Reeve with this summer’s award.”

For directors Bonhôte and Ettedgui, the award holds special significance. “It is truly an honor to accept this award from the 2024 HamptonsFilm SummerDocs Series,” they said. “This year marks the 20th anniversary of Christopher Reeve’s passing, and our goal was always to bring his extraordinary story to life for a contemporary audience – so to receive this Audience Award is such a thrill for all of us who worked on the film.”

HamptonsFilm’s SummerDocs Series has a rich history of showcasing films that go on to achieve critical acclaim. Past selections have not only been shortlisted but have also earned Academy Award® nominations and wins for Best Documentary Feature Film. Notable past films include The Eternal Memory (2024), Navalny (2023), Fire of Love (2023), and Summer of Soul (2021).

SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY is a collaborative production involving DC Studios, HBO Documentary Films, CNN Films, Passion Pictures, and Misfits Entertainment. The film, written by Ettedgui with co-writers Bonhôte and Otto Burnham, will have its theatrical release through Fathom Events on September 21, with an encore screening on September 25 – fittingly, Reeve’s birthday.

In addition to producing acclaimed documentaries like SUPER/MAN, DC Studios continues to make waves with high-profile releases. The studio, responsible for recent superhero hits like SHAZAM!, BLUE BEETLE, and AQUAMAN, is also gearing up for future projects. James Gunn’s SUPERMAN is slated for a July 2025 release, and production on SUPERGIRL: WOMAN OF TOMORROW is set to begin in January.

Warner Bros. Pictures, the distributor for DC Studios, is enjoying a successful year at the global box office with the release of major films like M. Night Shyamalan’s TRAP, George Miller’s FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA, Adam Wingard’s GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE, and Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART TWO.

As HamptonsFilm’s SummerDocs continues to showcase thought-provoking cinema, SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY stands as a heartfelt reminder of the lasting impact one man can have – both on-screen and off. Audiences out East and beyond can now celebrate the life of a true hero, Christopher Reeve, through this touching cinematic tribute.