How Long Is “Spellbound”?

In his directorial debut, filmmaker Jeff Blitz focuses on the world of competitive spelling for the digital video documentary Spellbound. The first half introduces the eight preteen finalists from across the country, representing various ethnic and socioeconomic groups. There's Ted from rural Missouri; Angela from a Mexican immigrant family in Texas; Emily from a wealthy family in New Haven, CT; Neil from an East Indian family in California; returning finalist Nupur from Florida; April from a working-class family in Pennsylvania; Ashley from a single-parent home in the D.C. projects; and Harry, the hyperactive kid from New Jersey. The finalist's parents and teachers are also interviewed, providing insight on the study habits and personal pressures of preparing for the intense competition. The second half of the film is devoted to the final round of the National Spelling Bee held in Washington, D.C.