The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival has announced the world premiere of Laurens Grant's "Jesse Owens" as its 2012 opening night film on Thursday, April 12, at the Carolina Theatre.

Produced and written by 2012 Full Frame Tribute honoree Stanley Nelson, the film centers on the African-American track and field star, who triumphed at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin amid the rise of Nazi propaganda.

"Jesse Owens" is an American Experience film in association with Firelight Films. It is the first feature documentary Laurens Grant has directed for PBS.

Grant has a long history with Stanley Nelson and American Experience. She produced the 2010 award-winning film "Freedom Riders," directed by Nelson, and was a coordinating producer for Nelson's film "The Murder of Emmett Till" in 2003. Both were American Experience titles.

Grant previously attended Full Frame with "Freedom Riders" in 2010 and as a juror for the Award for Best Short in 2011.

"To have my film screen at Full Frame is an incredible honor. And to screen as the opening night film is just tremendous," said Grant. "Full Frame is an incredible festival that really appreciates documentary films, and I am truly delighted to be part of it.

"It is also a great tribute to Jesse Owens, and serves to ensure his legacy is not forgotten."

Full Frame also announced its lineup of films around its 2012 Tribute honoring Stanley Nelson. Four titles have been selected, including early work from his Firelight Films banner: "The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords," "Jonestown: The Life and Death of People's Temple," "A Place of Our Own," and "Sweet Honey in the Rock: Raise Your Voice."

"Having this wonderful tribute to my work and the world premiere of "Jesse Owens" at this year's Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is for me a double honor," said Nelson.

Nelson and Grant will take part in a moderated conversation following the film on opening night. Nelson will also be on hand for screenings of his work throughout the weekend.

"We are thrilled to be the home for the world premiere of 'Jesse Owens,' said Full Frame executive director Deirdre Haj. "This film, while looking back at history, begs questions that still call for answers today about sports, celebrity, and race in our culture.

"It is a great example of documentary creating a platform for further examination and discussion, which is what Full Frame thrives on."

The 2012 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival will be held April 12-15, in Durham, with Duke University as the presenting sponsor. Tickets for programs were available to passholders beginning March 23 and will go on sale to the general public at fullframefest.org on April 2.