The Interrupters wins Best Documentary Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards

By Amy Cavanaugh in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 26, 2012 4:00PM

We know that it should have been nominated for an Oscar, but at least someone recognizes The Interrupters as a great film. The film, about about CeaseFire and "violence interrupters" trying to stop violence in South Side Chicago communities, picked up the Best Documentary Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards yesterday.

The Tribune's Mark Caro talked to the producers:

“It’s really great to win this award and win it the day before the Oscars,” director-producer Steve James said afterward. “It’s a great endorsement from the independent film community on the value of the film.”

Alex Kotlowitz, who also produced the film and wrote the New York Times Magazine article on which it’s based, found the victory sweet as well.

“Look, the Oscars, we were surprised and a little disappointed (not to be nominated), but the film has done remarkably, and this makes up for that,” he said. “It’s been such a great ride with this film. This just tops it off.”