2009 AFI Dallas Film Festival - The Hurt Locker

(USA, 2008, 130 mins)
35mm
Directed By: Kathryn Bigelow

Director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal bring a soldier’s-eye view of the Iraq war to the big screen.

An elite bomb squad plays a game of life and death in The Hurt Locker. As if diffusing bombs weren’t nerve-wracking enough, the men have to deal with the political and cultural chaos rampant in Iraq. A new leader, James, takes over the unit and recklessly ignores the danger that surrounds the team. His subordinates, Sanborn and Eldridge are shocked at his behavior and are soon struggling to control James and fighting for their lives.

Screenwriter Boal spent time in Iraq as an embedded journalist with a bomb squad. The Hurt Locker has received accolades and awards from the Venice Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and the Human Rights Film Network Awards.

Information from the festival's website