Derby film coming to the Kentucky Theatre

The First Saturday in May has been making the film festival rounds and getting rave reviews around the country. April 18, the documentary following the run-up to the 2006 Kentucky Derby will open at -- appropriately -- the Kentucky Theatre.

Brothers John and Brad Hennegan spent 16 months traveling around the world to document the major races leading up to the Derby. The film reportedly includes footage of a young Barbaro, before his thrilling victory in the 2006 race and untimely death after breaking down in the Preakness Stakes. (After playing the trailer, above, you'll get a menu of clips from the movie in that window, including serveral Barbaro scenes.) Lexington will be among a select group of cities, including New York and Los Angeles, seeing the movie, which opens in limited release on the 18th.

First Saturday won Best Documentary at the Savannah Film Festival and reviews have included raves like this, from the Washington Post's Joe Heim:

"Indeed, the journey is nothing short of riveting. The Hennegans, sons of a horse racing official, used their vast knowledge of the sport and incredible access to paint vivid portraits of colorful characters. For fans who see this movie, the Derby will never again be just another excuse for a party."