Beyond the Playing Field: ESPN and the Future of Sports Filmmaking
Tribeca Talks[ESPNP] | 2010 | 90 min | Panel
USA
In two short years, ESPN Films has become an industry heavyweight in the genre of sports filmmaking. Beginning in 2008 with the Peabody-winning documentary Black Magic and continuing with the ambitious launch of 30 for 30, the unprecedented documentary series featuring 30 of today's finest storytellers bringing to life 30 of the most remarkable sports stories from 1979 to 2009. ESPN Films has been able to break away from what was traditionally thought of as a sports film. They've reimagined the genre, and by showcasing stories of passion, triumph, and loss the resurgence of sports-themed films has never been stronger. Join us for a conversation with select 30 for 30 filmmakers, ESPN Films executive producer, Connor Schell, director/producer Mike Tollin, writer/director Brett Morgen, and writer Bill Simmons - on the future of sports filmmaking at ESPN Films and how they are reshaping the landscape of the genre. Moderated by ESPN's Chris Connelly. Read More
Saturday, April 24, 12:00 pm
@ SVA Theater 2
[BIRTH] | 2010 | 52 min | Feature Documentary
Directed by: Jeff Tremaine
USA
In 1985, at the tender age of 13, Mat Hoffman entered into the BMX circuit as an amateur. By 16, he had soared to the top of the sport. Throughout his prodigious career, Hoffman has ignored conventional limitations, instead focusing his efforts on the purity of the sport and the pursuit of "what's next." Academy Award® nominee Spike Jonze and extreme sport fanatic Johnny Knoxville, along with director Jeff Tremaine, showcase the inner workings and exploits of the man who gave birth to "Big Air." Read More
Saturday, April 24
World Financial Center Plaza
Tribeca Drive-in opens at 6:00 pm.
Activities and programming begin at 6:30 pm.
Film screenings start at dusk (approx. 8:15 pm).
Co-sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City.
Hosted by Brookfield, owner of the World Financial Center.
[FREET] | 2009 | 86 min |
Directed by: Mika Ronkainen
Finland, Germany
Matti and Mikko play for Finland's worst amateur rugby team. Overworked and domesticated, the two men long for a space to revel in their masculinity and bond with other men. Following the two friends and their teammates on a quest to end the season with just a single win, award-winning writer/director Mika Ronkainen (Screaming Men) crafts a genuine and disarmingly funny love story about modern male friendship. Read More
[INTOC] | 2010 | 86 min | Feature Documentary
Directed by: Sebastian Copeland
USA
The absolute top of the earth is a place few try to reach on foot. Even fewer succeed. With the vast arctic ice vanishing rapidly, photographer, extreme adventurer, and environmental advocate Sebastian Copeland sets out to reach the North Pole on the centennial of Admiral Peary's reach in 1909. This inspiring documentary follows their tumultuous two-month trek—not just through piercing cold and merciless terrain, but straight into the depths of the soul. Read More
[SURFI] | 2009 | 91 min | Feature Documentary
Directed by: Björn Richie Lob
Germany
This kinetic and fast-paced documentary will put you right on the Eisbach in the heart of Munich, where river-surfing was invented 35 years ago. Stunningly shot with cameras literally on the surfboards, you can sense the exhilaration as they take to the water. With cameos by surfing legends like Nick Carroll and Kelly Slater, Keep Surfing will make you want to hit the waves! Read More
Co-presented by 
[LASTP] | 2009 | 95 min | Feature Documentary
Directed by: Paul Crowder
USA
The intersecting histories of a stadium, a team, and a music legend are examined in a documentary that charts the ups and downs of the New York Mets and the life and career of Long Island native Billy Joel, the last performer to play Shea Stadium. Set to the soundtrack of Joel's final Shea concerts, Last Play interweaves personal Joel interviews with exclusive concert footage—featuring guests like Tony Bennett and Roger Daltrey. Read More
[STRAI] | 2010 | 51 min | Feature Documentary
Directed by: Ice Cube
USA
For rapper-turned-filmmaker Ice Cube, the emergence of gangster rap will be forever linked to the Oakland Raiders' move to Los Angeles in 1982. Ice Cube turns the camera on himself to tell how his genre-defining group NWA forged an unlikely relationship with the Raiders, a team whose swagger and style captivated LA during their troubled 13-season stay. Read More
Sneak Screening on ESPN Sports Film Festival Day
Special Screenings[SNEAK] | 2010 | | Program
USA
Q and A to follow with Josh Brolin and John Battsek. Read More
[ESCOB] | 2010 | 100 min |
Directed by: Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist
Colombia, USA
Born in the same city in Colombia but not related, Andrés Escobar and Pablo Escobar shared a fanatical love of soccer. Andrés grew up to become one of Colombia's most beloved players, while Pablo became the most notorious drug baron of all time. While adeptly investigating the secret marriage of crime and sports, Michael Zimbalist and Jeff Zimbalist (Favela Rising, TFF '05) reveal the surprising connections between the murders of Andrés and Pablo. Read More
Tribeca Film Festival and Doha TFF will host a FREE Fabulous Picture Show screening of The Two Escobars:
Monday, 4/26, 12:00 pm
375 Greenwich Street, NYC
Meet the directing duo as they join FPS for an intimate screening and Q&A moderated by Doha TFF executive director, Amanda Palmer.
Download the invitation and RSVP.
Each film in the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival will be preceded by a short film from ESPN’s I Scored a Goal series, a storyteller’s collection of personal conversations and passionate recollections from the only men ever to score a goal in a World Cup Final.
Attention Sports Fans!
Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day
Saturday, May 1
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Be a part of the fun at Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day with a variety of interactive sports related games, demos, and giveaways as part of the FREE Family Festival Street Fair! Don’t miss your favorite athletes, dance teams, mascots, and sports personalities. (Details to come.)
>> Download the 2010 Family Festival Street Fair Map
>> Download info about the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival Sports Day
