On Jan. 22 Anywhere, USA, formerly known as Asheville: The Movie won a special jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival for “singularity of vision.” The film, from local auteur Chusy Haney-Jardine, took three years to make, using mostly local actors and locations.
According to the official release from Sundance, Anywhere, USA won the special prize from the judges because it is a “a wildly original look at American manners, prejudices, and family dynamics.”
Among the cast of the movie are Jardine’s daughter, Perla Haney-Jardine and a slew of first time local actors, including Rafat Abu-Gosh, Jeremiah Brennan, Mary Griffin, Brian Fox, Mike Ellis and activist Gene Hampton.
Over its three-year making, Jardine’s production attracted no small amount of rumors, buzz and speculation. At press time, Jardine has not responded to requests for comment yet. A blog entry on the film’s official website (anywhereusathemovie.com) simply states “we won an award!!! Viva!”
In December, when Anywhere, USA was officially selected for Sundance, Jardine told Xpress that despite the name change, “our film is an Asheville home-grown project—always has been, always will be.”
