Past screening

Spellbound

Directed by: Jeffrey Blitz
Runtime: 1hr 37min Year: 2003
Watch trailer

Details

Directed by: Jeffrey Blitz
Runtime: 1hr 37min Year: 2003
Country: United States
Last Screened: Wed 29th Jul 2015

Spellbound follows eight teenagers on their quest to win the 1999 National Spelling Bee. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Documentary Feature.

But who would have thought that a spelling competition could be so suspenseful? Prepare to be blown away.  As the kids progress through the rounds towards the finals, there are unexpected joys and heatbreaking defeats. The competition is fierce and their training programmes would impress any Olympic athlete – much to the surprise of their bemused but supportive families.

In turns brilliantly funny and nail-bitingly tense, Spellbound is as entertaining and heart-warming now as it was in 2003 – the year it was nominated for an Oscar. This is captivating viewing for kids, teens and grown-ups alike.