We've followed Crawford, the Austin-made documentary about a tiny Texas town thrust in the international spotlight after would-be President George W. Bush relocated there to perfect his wholesome good-old-boy image, since it was but a work in progress. After a tremendous world premiere at SXSW, Crawford went on to screen at festivals worldwide and earned plenty of praise — it inspired multiple standing ovations at SXSW, had Texas Monthly calling director David Modigliani "one of four next great Texas directors," and was even described as a "deeply committed piece of high-def storytelling" by the normally conservative (and recently departed) New York Sun.

Crawford will next make waves when it becomes the first major online premiere of a festival film, debuting on Hulu.com this Tuesday. The timing couldn't be better, with the elections taking place in mere weeks and Oliver Stone's biopic of Dubya set for wide release even sooner.

The film's two-week run on Hulu's front page is also breaking new ground for the film distribution model, as its free and uninhibited online streaming will be paired with its simultaneous release for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, Netflix — the idea being that by generating enough buzz among early viewers, folks will be more inclined to own a copy for themselves or to share with their friends. Record companies, take note.

Crawford debuts on Hulu.com on Tuesday, October 7. In the meantime, here's a link to Ghostbusters.

Related Links:
Austinist Interview with CRAWFORD Editor Matt Naylor
Austinist Interview with CRAWFORD Director David Modigliani
AFS Docs in Progress: Crawford, USA