The 13th annual Full Frame Documentary Film Festival will open with the U.S. premiere of "Kings of Pastry."

The new feature from directing team D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus captures never-before-seen footage of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition, the ultimate recognition for any French pastry chef. The film follows Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of the French Pastry School in Chicago, through the intense contest's three days of mixing, piping and sculpting everything from delicate chocolates to six-foot sugar sculptures, as he teeters between a dream and an obsession.

"We are extremely proud to host 'Kings of Pastry' on opening night. Not only is it a celebration of culinary artistry, but it also illustrates the capacity for immense dedication to mastering one's craft," said director of programming Sadie Tillery. "D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus' continued support, involvement, and friendship have meant so much to us over the years, and we are especially honored to highlight their newest film."

The festival has featured many of Pennebaker and Hegedus' films at past festivals, including "Town Bloody Hall," "Startup.com," "Al Franken: God Spoke," "The War Room," "Don't Look Back," "Bob Dylan: 65 Revisited" and "Elaine Stritch at Liberty," which screened as the opening night film of the 2004 festival.

Pennebaker served as guest curator for the 2002 thematic series "Score! Music and Documentary." Hegedus also co-curated the 2004 thematic program "Leadership Through a Gender Lens." Additionally, Pennebaker and Hegedus received Full Frame's Career Award in 1999.

"We are delighted to have the U.S. premiere of 'Kings of Pastry' at Full Frame," said Pennebaker and Hegedus. "The film festival is a treat for filmmakers serving up the most inspiring documentaries along with the best barbecue in the country. We think that 'Kings of Pastry' will be a tasty start to the festival."

Pennebaker and Hegedus will attend the premiere, along with the film's producers Flora Lazar and Frazer Pennebaker. Subject Jacquy Pfeiffer will join them for a panel discussion following the screening. The opening night screening is sponsored by the American Tobacco Campus and Capitol Broadcasting Company.

The 2010 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival will be held April 8-11, in Durham, with Duke University as the presenting sponsor. For more information or to purchase festival passes, visit www.fullframefest.org.