James Laxton, courtesy of IFC Films

Myth of the American Sleepover is directed by David Robert Mitchell and written by David Robert Mitchell. The cast includes Marlon Morton, Amanda Bauer, Claire Sloma, Brett Jacobsen, Nikita and Jade Ramsey.

The movie is being billed as an independent teen drama about a poignant and tender coming-of-age drama. This story follows four young people on the last night of summer – their final night of freedom before the new school year starts. The teenagers cross paths as they explore the suburban wonderland they inhabit in search of love and adventure – chasing first kisses, elusive crushes, popularity and parties. While looking for the iconic teenage experience, they discover the quiet moments that will later become a part of their youth they look back on with nostalgia.

The story is inspired by Mitchell’s experiences growing up in Michigan. The positive feedback that I have heard is that the movie is a beautifully rendered portrait of summertime adolescence and the search for human connections. The kids in Mitchell’s world may be lost, a little confused and full of angst, but ultimately the kids are alright in this life-affirming, truthful and fresh take on the teen genre.

The Myth of the American Sleepover had its European premiere at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival in the International Critics’ Week section, the first American film in five years to be selected for this honor.

The Myth of the American Sleepover had its U.S. premiere in March 2010 at the SXSW Film Festival and Conference, where it received a special jury prize for Best Ensemble Cast.

The movie opens July 22, 2011 in New York and July 29, 2011 in Los Angeles, with a national rollout to follow.