Austin Film Festival Preview: Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire premiered to glowing reception at the Sundance Film Festival. Yet despite love from critics and fans alike, there were still doubts the film would make wide release until both Oprah and Tyler Perry put their names (and money) behind it.

The film tells the story of an illiterate teenage girl impregnated (twice) by her father, living with her abusive mother (Mo'Nique), and desirous of a way out. Working to help her towards this goal is Mariah Carey (yes, you read that right) as a social worker, as well as a teacher (Paula Patton) at an alternative high school. Starring as Precious, a refreshingly atypical Hollywood heroine, is new actress Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe.

Director Lee Daniels gives this film a dark, realistic look and feel, but one still holds out hope for Precious. The abusive storyline of the film led Executive Producer Tyler Perry to talk about being molested as a child, and Mo'Nique's chilling performance has people talking Oscar.

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire is a Marquee Screening at Austin Film Festival before its wide release in November. The buzz on this film is only going to grow as awards season grows closer, and it seems that this film deserves all the good buzz it gets. The full AFF schedule can be seen here.