The Internet’s Own Boy

A film by Brian Knappenberger

The story of Aaron Swartz

Programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz has his fingerprints all over the internet—he was integral to the development of the basic internet protocol RSS and co—founded the global social news and entertainment website Reddit.

But it was Swartz’s groundbreaking work in social justice and political organizing combined with his aggressive approach to information access that ensnared him in a two—year legal nightmare. It was a battle that ended with the taking of his own life at the age of 26.

Aaron’s story touched a nerve with people far beyond the online communities in which he was a celebrity. THE INTERNET’S OWN BOY is a personal story about what we lose when we ignore the implications of technology and its relationship to our civil liberties.

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Director

Brian Knappenberger

Producer

Brian Knappenberger

Runtime

105 Minutes

Rights Represented

Educational Rights, International Rights

Captions Available

English

Language

English

Press

“The Internet’s Own Boy may be the most emotionally devastating movie ever made about hacking and freedom of information”

- Variety

“…a fascinating study of how this smart young kid grew up into such a passionate thinker. It’s the most persuasive film yet about how the mindset of a brilliant programmer develops.”

- Rolling Stone

“…a harrowing cyber-thriller.”

- Hitflix
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Watch trailer

Festival & Awards

Official Selection – SUNDANCE Film Festival

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The Internet’s Own Boy

The story of Aaron Swartz

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