Film Hawk (2016)
The untold story of Bob Hawk, the quiet force behind American independent cinema's most celebrated discoveries.
Film Hawk - Movie Information
- Original Title: Film Hawk
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Tai Parquet, JJ Garvine
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: English
Film Hawk - Plot
What do filmmakers as disparate as Kevin Smith, Ed Burns, Rob Epstein, and Barbara Hammer have in common? A secret weapon known as Bob Hawk. As a veteran of the American independent film scene since its inception, the cinephile and consultant has been a regular, cherished presence at film festivals and markets for over three decades. Hawk saw promise in scrappy, independently produced films like Clerks and The Brothers McMullen when no one else even knew to look, and he brought these films to the attention of the Sundance Film Festival, thereby launching multiple careers in the process. An unsung champion of new voices, he has discovered innovative work, nurtured new talents, and brokered relationships with film festivals and critics alike, while staying out of the spotlight — until now. At 75, Bob Hawk looks back on a still-vibrant life in independent film, exploring how the rebellious gay son of a preacher found his calling as a behind-the-scenes film impresario.
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Film Hawk - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tai Parquet
- JJ Garvine
Main Cast
- Rob Epstein
- Barbara Hammer
- Robert Hawk
- Ira Sachs
- Kevin Smith
- Kimberly Reed
- Lynne Sachs
- Edward Burns
- Scott McGehee
- David Siegel
Film Hawk - FAQs
Who is Bob Hawk and why does he matter?
Bob Hawk is a legendary behind-the-scenes consultant and cinephile who spent over three decades championing American independent film. He spotted early promise in films like Clerks and The Brothers McMullen, bringing them to Sundance and helping launch careers that would reshape independent cinema.
What is Film Hawk about?
Film Hawk is a documentary portrait of Bob Hawk, the unsung impresario of American independent cinema. At 75, Hawk reflects on a life spent discovering bold new voices, nurturing emerging filmmakers, and brokering relationships at festivals — all while staying firmly out of the spotlight.
Who are the main subjects featured in Film Hawk?
The film features an impressive roster of filmmakers speaking about Bob Hawk's influence, including Kevin Smith, Edward Burns, Rob Epstein, Barbara Hammer, Ira Sachs, Kimberly Reed, Lynne Sachs, Scott McGehee, and David Siegel — all appearing as themselves.
Did Bob Hawk really discover Clerks and The Brothers McMullen?
Yes — Bob Hawk is widely credited with recognizing the potential of Kevin Smith's Clerks and Ed Burns's The Brothers McMullen before they gained wider attention. He championed both films at Sundance, helping catapult them — and their directors — into the independent film mainstream.
Where can you stream Film Hawk?
You can watch Film Hawk on Tubi TV, Hoopla, FlixHouse, and Fawesome for free. It's also available to buy or rent on Google Play Movies and YouTube, giving you plenty of flexible options depending on how you prefer to watch.
Who directed Film Hawk?
Film Hawk was co-directed by Tai Parquet and JJ Garvine. Together they crafted an intimate portrait of Bob Hawk, weaving together testimonials from the many filmmakers whose careers he helped shape over his remarkable three-decade run in independent cinema.
When was Film Hawk released?
Film Hawk had its release on January 20, 2016. The documentary arrived at a fitting moment — celebrating the legacy of a man who had spent decades shaping the very festival circuit where so many independent films, including this one, first found their audiences.
What are similar documentaries to Film Hawk?
If Film Hawk resonated with you, check out To Be Takei (2014), Downloaded (2013), and Heart of a Dog (2015) for more personal, character-driven documentary storytelling. High School (1969) and Naqoyqatsi (2002) are also worth exploring for fans of thoughtful, artistically ambitious nonfiction filmmaking.
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