Casting in fiction filmmaking is often said to make or break a film.  But this is even more the case in documentary, where casting often involves making a bet that the subjects' lives will make for an entertaining story.

Director Marshall Curry certainly bet well when casting three tween race kart drivers for his latest doc, Racing Dreams, which picked up the award for Best Documentary at Tribeca and screened this past week at Silverdocs.   Annabeth (11), Josh (12) and Brandon (13) “popped out” in screen testing, said Curry, who sensitively documented  their earnest, sometimes sad, and often humorous childhood travails all the while competing in the year-long World Karting Association Championship.

Curry last swept the festival circuit with his first documentary, Street Fight, which picked up an Oscar nomination in 2005.  His latest features sharper production values but no less compassion.

I was able to meet up with Curry after his screening at the AFI Theater in Silver Spring on Saturday. Here's what he had to say:

Read More "Filmmaker Q&A With Racing Dreams Marshall Curry" »

Haven't been to Silverdocs yet? Haven't even made plans? What are you waiting for?!? Check out our complete coverage for details on the rest of the fest.

Here are some highlights from today's slate:

Racing Dreams, Marshall Curry's look at tween go-kart racers who have their eyes on professional racing careers. According to our critic Matt Siblo, the three main protagonists have a "universal appeal extend far beyond the confines of the track." 3:30 p.m. Read More "Today at Silverdocs: No Impact Man, Racing Dreams, Splitting Hairs…and a Mustache Contest!" »