BREAKING: The acclaimed documentary André Is an Idiot is officially heading to theaters! Joint Venture has just announced that this Sundance winner will be released theatrically, starting at Film Forum in New York City on March 6, 2026.
This highly anticipated film, directed by Tony Benna, captured audiences’ hearts at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the Audience Award and the Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award in the U.S. documentary competition. The documentary follows André Ricciardi, who humorously reflects on his life and terminal cancer diagnosis, embracing levity despite the gravity of his situation.
The unique film employs stop-motion animation to vividly portray Ricciardi’s experiences, making it a standout project that resonates deeply with viewers. Following its Sundance triumph, the film also won the Audience Favorite for Documentary at the Mill Valley Film Festival and the Special Documentary Jury Prize for Impactful Storytelling at the Hamptons Film Festival.
“When André approached me to direct what he called ‘a comedy about his cancer,’ I was taken aback but also deeply honored,” Benna stated. “Cancer isn’t inherently funny, but André definitely is. His raw, unapologetic honesty and humor make it impossible not to fall in love with him.”
Joint Venture co-founder Jess Jacobs praises André Is an Idiot as “a documentary unlike any we’ve ever seen,” describing it as “a beautiful portrait about mortality, friendship, fatherhood, and love — that plays like a stand-up comedy special.”
This project is backed by renowned production companies, including A24 Films, Sandbox Films, and Safehouse Pictures. Producers include Ricciardi, Tory Tunnell, Stelio Kitrilakis, Joshua Altman, and Ben Cotner, with executive producers such as Nicole Stott and Greg Boustead.
Critic Daniel Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter noted, “Funny, sad, and uncomfortable in shifting proportions, the film is at once an urgent public service announcement and a documentary memento mori.”
With its heartfelt storytelling and impactful message, André Is an Idiot promises to be a must-see film when it opens next March. Mark your calendars for the theatrical release and get ready to share this incredible journey with friends and family!
