Director Tony Benna and Executive Producer Lee Einhorn Join Advocates to Meet with Members of Congress
The team behind the Sundance Award–winning documentary André Is an Idiot, now streaming on Netflix, recently took their advocacy from the screen to Capitol Hill. Joining Fight Colorectal Cancer‘s (Fight CRC) annual Call-on Congress event, they met directly with lawmakers to champion policies that support and improve the lives of people affected by colorectal cancer.
Director Tony Benna and Executive Producer Lee Einhorn participated alongside colorectal cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates from across the country to share the urgent need for increased federal investment in colorectal cancer research, access to quality care, and policies that improve outcomes for patients.
Their participation highlighted a powerful truth: storytelling has the ability not only to educate audiences but also to influence decision-makers.
What Is André Is an Idiot?
André Is an Idiot tells the deeply personal and often darkly humorous story of André Ricciardi, who was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer at age 51. Through André’s wit, honesty, and willingness to confront mortality head-on, the film offers an unfiltered look at life with advanced cancer while exploring larger questions about healthcare, family, and what it means to live fully in the face of a terminal diagnosis.
André Is an Idiot premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the Audience Award and the Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award in the U.S. Documentary Competition. It went on to earn the Audience Favorite for Documentary at the Mill Valley Film Festival and the Special Documentary Jury Prize for Impactful Storytelling at the Hamptons International Film Festival. Directed by Tony Benna in his feature directorial debut and produced by A24, Sandbox Films, and Safehouse Pictures, the roughly 90-minute film blends intimate vérité footage with original stop-motion animation and a score by Dan Deacon. It holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and began streaming on Netflix in the United States on June 17, 2026, following a theatrical run that opened at New York’s Film Forum on March 6, 2026.
The documentary has resonated with audiences across the country for its authentic portrayal of the colorectal cancer experience. It has helped spark important conversations about screening, early detection, and the growing impact of colorectal cancer on younger adults.
As awareness of the film continues to grow, its creators have expanded their efforts beyond filmmaking into advocacy.
From Documentary to Advocacy
Fight CRC’s Call-on Congress is the nation’s largest annual colorectal cancer advocacy event. Each year, advocates travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress and their staff to discuss legislative priorities that can improve prevention, treatment, and survivorship for the colorectal cancer community.
By joining these meetings, Benna and Einhorn helped bring a unique perspective to policymakers.
Films like André Is an Idiot have the power to humanize statistics and policy discussions. While lawmakers often hear about healthcare challenges through reports and data, personal stories create a lasting impression and underscore the real-world impact of legislative decisions.
Why Colorectal Cancer Advocacy Matters
Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While screening rates have improved and treatments continue to advance, significant challenges remain.
Advocacy efforts help ensure policymakers understand the needs of patients and families affected by the disease. Federal funding supports access to colorectal cancer screening in underserved communities, and critical research that can lead to earlier detection methods, more effective treatments, and better quality of life for patients.
At the same time, awareness initiatives help educate the public about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of timely screening.
The participation of influential storytellers and filmmakers helps amplify these messages and reach audiences who may not otherwise engage with colorectal cancer issues.
The Power of Storytelling in the Fight Against Cancer
One of the most powerful aspects of André Is an Idiot is its ability to make colorectal cancer feel personal and relatable. Rather than focusing solely on medical facts, the film invites viewers into André’s life, allowing them to experience the realities of living with cancer through his perspective.
That same storytelling approach is a core component of Call-on Congress.
When advocates share their stories directly with lawmakers, they help bridge the gap between policy and lived experience. Personal narratives can inspire action, shape priorities, and remind elected officials of the people behind every healthcare decision.
For Fight CRC, partnerships with storytellers, filmmakers, and media creators are an important part of building awareness and driving change.
Continuing the Momentum
The conversations that take place during Call-on Congress each year are only one step in the ongoing effort to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.
Fight CRC continues to advocate for increased research funding, expanded access to screening, and policies that support patients and families throughout their cancer journey. The participation of Tony Benna and Lee Einhorn demonstrates how creators can use their platforms to advance these efforts and help bring colorectal cancer advocacy to new audiences.
As André Is an Idiot continues to reach viewers, its message serves as a reminder that awareness and advocacy go hand in hand. Through storytelling, education, and action, meaningful progress becomes possible.
Fast Facts About Andre Is An Idiot
Is André Is an Idiot based on a true story?
Yes. It’s a documentary following the real life of André Ricciardi, a San Francisco advertising creative, after his stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosis.
What is André Is an Idiot about?
The documentary follows André Ricciardi, a San Francisco advertising creative, as he navigates a stage IV colorectal cancer diagnosis. Directed by Tony Benna in his feature directorial debut, the film captures André’s journey with the same self-deprecating humor reflected in its title.
Where can I watch André Is an Idiot?
The film is available on Netflix in the United States, starting June 17, 2026.
How is André Is an Idiot rated?
The film holds a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
How long is André Is an Idiot?
The film runs approximately 90 minutes.
When and where did André Is an Idiot premiere?
The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Documentary Competition.
What awards has André Is an Idiot won?
It won the Sundance Audience Award and Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, plus the Mill Valley Audience Favorite for Documentary and the Hamptons Special Documentary Jury Prize for Impactful Storytelling.
Who directed André Is an Idiot?
Tony Benna, marking his feature directorial debut.
Who produced André Is an Idiot?
The film was produced by A24, Sandbox Films, and Safehouse Pictures.
Get Involved
Every voice matters in the fight against colorectal cancer. Whether you’re a patient, survivor, caregiver, healthcare professional, or supporter, you can help create change.
Learn more about Fight CRC’s advocacy efforts, participate in future Call-on Congress events, and discover ways to make your voice heard at FightCRC.org.