Jawline

Tennessee teen Austyn Tester chases his version of the American dream one like and live-stream at a time in this eye-opening exploration of today’s influencer culture – this year’s Sundance Film Festival Breakthrough Filmmaker winner.

Sixteen-year-old aspiring social media star Tester doesn’t just want his 15 minutes of fame. He wants a whole lifetime of it, and a new life far away from his current rural existence to go with it. Posting inspirational videos beloved by besotted girls, he’s trying to earn his big break by selling self-empowerment to the masses – but, at a time when everyone has a smartphone and an Instagram feed, it’s a ruthless business.

In her first feature-length documentary, Liza Mandelup trains her astute gaze on monetised and commodified lives, as well as the world’s growing obsession with manufactured authenticity. While remaining empathetic to Tester’s eager plight, the film also delves into the other side, including the successful managers pulling the strings and profiting.

“An engaging, amusing and occasionally jaw-dropping portrait of a world that could hardly be more foreign to most documentary fans.” – The Hollywood Reporter