Adam Hootnick is a renowned filmmaker, based in Austin, Texas, who has garnered widespread recognition for his exceptional work in the documentary genre. His latest documentary, What Carter Lost, is a testament to his storytelling prowess, as he delves into the captivating tale of the Dallas Carter Cowboys, a team that dominated the 1988 "Friday Night Lights" season in Texas, bringing both triumph and tragedy to the Carter community. This feature-length documentary is part of the esteemed ESPN 30-for-30 series, which has won numerous accolades, including Emmys and Oscars.
In Destination: Team USA, Adam follows the journeys of five Olympic hopefuls as they battle for a spot on the 2016 US Olympic Team. This documentary showcases his ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Adam's previous work, Son of the Congo, premiered at the 2015 South by Southwest film festival and tells the extraordinary story of Serge Ibaka's improbable journey from the violence-ridden Congo to NBA stardom and back again. This documentary explores Serge's desire to use his basketball success to rebuild his homeland and inspire a new generation to strive for a better life.
Adam has also directed several short documentaries, including Judging Jewell for ESPN 30-for-30, which is rated among the top films in the series by Rolling Stone Magazine. Additionally, he has collaborated with ESPN to create the short films Pro Day and The Outstanding Mind-Bending Synergy Machine. His first music video, "Shoeshine" with Brooklyn rock band Black Taxi, won a Webby Award.
Adam's feature film, Unsettled, tells the story of several young Israelis from diverse backgrounds during the 2005 Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. This critically acclaimed documentary won numerous awards, including the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature at the Slamdance Film Festival.
