Argot Pictures to Distribute Award-Winning Documentary "Suburban Fury" for Oscar Consideration
Argot Pictures is set to distribute Robinson Devor’s acclaimed documentary, "Suburban Fury," qualifying it for Oscar consideration as it gears up for a national release. The film will debut at the Alamo Drafthouse in Lower Manhattan from December 12-18, 2023, before rolling out to theaters and museums across the country in 2026.
"Suburban Fury" explores the captivating story of Sara Jane Moore, the suburban housewife who infamously attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford in San Francisco in September 1975. Armed with a .38 caliber revolver, Moore fired a shot that missed Ford, and an ex-Marine named Oliver Sipple intervened to subdue her before she could fire again. The documentary delves into Moore’s radicalization, weaving a complex narrative that involves figures like Patty Hearst, the Symbionese Liberation Army, the Secret Service, and the FBI.
Described as both a historical recount and an intimate character study, "Suburban Fury" serves as a chilling reflection of America’s ideological divisions. The film provides unprecedented access to Moore, unfolding through her first-person monologues filmed at significant locations across the Bay Area that played a role in her radicalization. With a mix of rare archival footage and a creatively imagined dialogue between Moore and her FBI handler, the documentary chronicles her transformation from a patriotic volunteer to a disillusioned revolutionary.
"Fifty years on, Moore’s narrative resonates eerily in today’s climate, illustrating how ordinary individuals can be drawn into extremism and conspiracy," the film’s release states. "Suburban Fury" immerses viewers in one woman’s descent into chaos and the societal fractures that parallel her story.
Founded by Jim Browne in 2005, Argot Pictures has a rich history of distributing notable films, including Academy Award-nominated "Street Fight" by Marshall Curry and "Big Sonia" by Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday. Browne expressed enthusiasm for working with Devor, stating, "I’ve been a great admirer of Robinson Devor’s work for a long time, and I’m excited to collaborate with him on this extraordinary film."
In an insightful interview, Devor shared his experience with Moore, who, even at 94 years old, was a vibrant and compelling interviewee. "She was a natural storyteller and knew how to navigate a conversation," he remarked. "Many people underestimated her, including law enforcement, who didn’t see her as a serious threat before the assassination attempt."
Moore passed away on September 24, 2023, just days before the 50th anniversary of her assassination attempt. "Suburban Fury" not only recounts this pivotal moment in history but also captures a unique era in America, marked by upheaval and radical actions.
The documentary will be featured at DOC NYC on November 18, 2023, and it previously premiered at the New York Film Festival. Following its debut, "Suburban Fury" has been showcased at various prestigious festivals, including SFFILM’s Doc Stories and events in Philadelphia, Seattle, Sonoma, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and the Bentonville Film Festival in Arkansas.
Stay tuned for more updates as "Suburban Fury" prepares for its nationwide rollout!
