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DIR: TIMOTHY HOTCHNER​ // 2008

ACCELERATING
AMERICA

2008 // 91 MIN

ACCELERATING AMERICA tells the story of a revolutionary school in Rhode Island that gives inner-city youths who are at risk of dropping out a second chance by accelerating their studies.  At the head of the school is a fearless principal, Robert DeBlois, who as a quadriplegic knows something about overcoming adversity. If the word “inspiring” gets overused, it rarely feels as apt as when watching DeBlois apply his tough love educational techniques on hardened teens.  We watch three students — America, Jason and Yazmine — as they struggle through a make-or-break year, drawing upon conviction, pride and humor in order to survive.

DIRECTED AND FILMED BY

Timothy Hotchner

PRODUCED BY

Bill Haney

Timothy Hotchner

EDITED BY

Jack Haigis​

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS

Jack Haigis

Matthew Luhrman

ADDITIONAL EDITING

Matthew Luhrman
Peter Rhodes

ADDITIONAL CAMERA

Kevin Roche
Sam Craven

MUSIC BY

Mario Grigorov

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