Abacus: Small Enough to Jail

2017, 88 minutes
USA

Language: English, Mandarin & Cantonese with English subtitles

Director: Steve James

Visit Film Website

Accused of mortgage fraud by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., Abacus becomes the only U.S. bank to face criminal charges in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The indictment and subsequent trial forces the Sung family to defend themselves and their bank’s legacy in the Chinatown community – over the course of a five-year legal battle.
 
“Both an affirmation and an indictment of the American Dream.”
– Stephen Dalton, The Hollywood Reporter
 
“One of the greatest documentaries of recent years”
– Movie City News
 
“An achievement of compassionate and conscientious observation.”
– Matthew Eng, Little White Lies
 
“Crowd-pleasing- A classic underdog tale.”
– The New York Times
 
**WINNER** AUDIENCE AWARD
2017 San Diego Asian Film Festival Showcase
 
**WINNER** AUDIENCE AWARD: BEST DOCUMENTARY
2017 Sarasota Film Festival
 
**WINNER** BEST EDITING: FEATURE LENGTH DOCUMENTARY
2017 Ashland Independent Film Festival
 
RUNNER UP – GROLSCH PEOPLE’S CHOICE DOCUMENTARY AWARD
2016 Toronto International Film Festival
 
BEST OF FEST
2017 Palm Springs International Film Festival