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Sunday, July 20 HOLY LAND HARDBALL 1:00 PM, Little Theatre Brett Rapkin ↦ Erik Kesten, 2008, 75 min., US, English/ Hebrew/Spanish with English subtitles With extraordinary access, HOLY LAND HARDBALL follows the unlikely formation of the Israel Baseball League, the first ever professional baseball circuit in the Middle East. The film chronicles the highly unpredictable journey from the first player tryouts in Massachusetts in August 2006 through the league's scheduled first pitch in Israel in June 2007. In its efforts to bring America's pastime to the Israeli people, the IBL opens the door to the dreams of 120 very diverse ballplayers. Owners, coaches and players alike have the challenging task of drawing the Israeli people to the entirely unfamiliar game of baseball after 5,767 years without the sport. Add a skeptical Israeli media, disgruntled players, delayed stadium preparations, customs snafus, a rapidly approaching Opening Day and the question they are left with is: If we build it, will they come? GUESTS: Filmmakers Brett Rapkin & Erik Kesten expected to attend. The Rochester Jewish Film Festival is pleased to participate in this test screening as part of an ongoing industry-wide effort to assist and encourage independent filmmakers. Audience members will be asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the film. Generously underwritten by Davie Kaplan Certified Public Accountants. Back to FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE » |
HOLY LAND HARDBALL... "Kosher Cracker Jacks anyone? This film is a pleasure!" Andrea Miller, rjff since 2001 |