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A movie about frozen rivers, economic troubles and differences between class—what could be more attractive then that?

For director and writer Courtney Hunt’s first feature film, Frozen River, is nearly flawless. I had my uncertainties about the movie when I first read the summary. This movie, about the difficulties of motherhood, forming unseemly friendships that cross racial barriers, and smuggling illegal immigrants across the New York, Canada border, had the potential to be politically charged. But Hunt steered clear of anything overly cliché and it added something refreshing to my movie experience—this was truly a film I had not seen before.

As Chaz Ebert opened with a few jokes about the young age of talented Native American actress, Misty Upham, she explained the background of Frozen River. The film received a 2008 Grand Jury Prize and was picked up by Michael Barker from Sony after he saw the film at Sundance.

Then the man of the hour took the stage. Opening a tiny black Mac laptop, Roger’s computer voice informed us he had originally feared that Frozen River would be overlooked, and that is why he knew he had to have it at the festival. The film was not overlooked by the big-wig’s from the Academy Awards receiving two nominations, one for Melissa Leo’s heartfelt performance, but Ebert feels the film still deserves more.

“It has not been seen on the big screen by as many people as should see it,” said Ebert. “They have to shove it out with brainless, action pictures.”

Ebert had nothing but nice things to say about Leo’s performance, but suggest Upham’s performance was an overlooked aspect of the film.

“Perhaps Misty did not get all the praise she deserved,” said Ebert. “We almost get the impression that she is truly playing herself, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is all her heart and soul.”

As the film began to roll, I was amazed by even the first scene’s attention to detail. Each actor fully committed to their role, and knew what they needed to bring to the character, said Hunt. The frigid scenery, the danger of a Dodge Spirit riding across frozen ice, and comedic scenes of trying to perfect the best answering machine message, were all immaculate details that are a testament to the director Hunt will become. The film wraps up leaving you aware of a prejudice that still unfortunately exist, and the power of motherhood.

After the film Hunt, Upham and Barker assembled for a panel lead by Dean Richards. Right away Hunt admits that she found Upham on a Native American actress web site.

“People think that she found me at a reservation and I wasn’t an actress,” said Upham, “that’s the best compliment I get.”

Thankfully Hunt found Upham. For an actress who had only done westerns and reservation films, and was used to having no more than a couple lines per film, Upham really captured the disparity of Lila.

The relationship between Upham and Leo is what really makes this film work. When Leo is stern and cold, Upham adds emotion.

“I was very much a little girl when I met her,” said Upham. “I was a little squirt who came in and made her laugh in between takes. The key is to have that light and dark intensity between each other.”

Their dynamics were perfect for Hunt’s script.

Originally the film was a short script that gained little attention, and Hunt had forgotten about it. After writing a poem similar to the story of Leo’s character, Ray’s life story, Hunt renewed her love for the script, and created a short film by the same title. When she started filming the full length feature film, she wanted to separate herself from the short film, but found bits and pieces of the original script infiltrating themselves into the new.

Filmed on a budget of half a million—the actors had to take turns warming up in a car between scenes—Barker confesses that he picked up the film with every intention of getting it nominated for an Academy Award.

“We actually lucked out because of the economic depression,” said Barker. “Our DVD along Vicky Christina Barcelona was the only DVD that the Academy had for 8 weeks. So they could really appreciate the film.”

And the film was appreciated for a while. It was talked about the months before the Academy Awards, but people have forgotten used how serious and powerful this film can be.

For an upcoming director’s first feature film, Frozen River did no wrong. Hunt took each actor, each setting, each moment, and made them her own. If you didn’t get the chance to check out this film at the festival, make sure you add this film to your “To see” list, and there is no doubt that both Hunt and Upham will go on to do great things within the next few years.