documentaries
Experience the Rise and Rivalries of Pickleball in ‘Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story’
Virtual Screenings Available at Midnight!
The documentary in which Michael Sleeves Sliwa appears, “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story,” is currently featured in the San Francisco Documentary Festival. It will also be available for a virtual screening starting at midnight tonight for those who have pre-ordered it. This virtual screening allows viewers to vote and the film will be eligible for Audience Awards.
The story of the film revolves around the rapid growth of pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, over a two-year period. It explores its journey from retirement communities to the New York Stock Exchange. “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story” provides an intimate portrayal of the pioneers who brought about this new professional sport. These early advocates, including former athletes, entrepreneurs, and passionate advocates of the game, worked tirelessly to bring pickleball from the margins to the mainstream. Through their efforts, they transformed a simple pastime into a burgeoning sports industry.
As this sporting industry booms, a rivalry emerges, creating a battleground for settling territorial disputes. This intense competition isn’t just about winning matches; it’s about carving out a piece of a rapidly expanding market. In this struggle for dominance, bonds are shattered and friendships betrayed, while numerous professional pickleball players become caught in the crossfire of competing egos and ambitions from feuding Texas billionaires. These billionaires, each with their vision for the future of pickleball, invest heavily in teams and tournaments, turning the sport into a high-stakes game of financial and social influence.
Undoubtedly American, the fight for professional pickleball compels us to confront the positive and negative aspects of capitalism’s influence on sports and our collective pursuit of the American Dream. On one hand, the sport’s growth demonstrates the power of innovation and the ability to create new opportunities in unexpected places. On the other hand, the intense competition and the quest for dominance often highlight the darker side of ambition, where financial gain trumps the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. The film challenges viewers to reflect on these dualities and consider what we are willing to sacrifice in our pursuit of success.
The film, directed by Ashley Underwood, Seth Porges, and Mary Pilon, features pickleballers from various walks of life.
“Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story” is more than just a documentary about the rise of a new sport; it’s a profound narrative that delves into the American spirit and the complexities of human ambition. Through the lens of pickleball, viewers witness the innovation, conflicts, and camaraderie that characterize the American Dream. The film concludes by reflecting on how this rapidly growing sport has not only altered the lives of those involved but also offers a microcosm of larger societal dynamics. As pickleball continues to evolve, it serves as a testament to the enduring impact of passion-driven ventures in shaping our world, promising that the journey of its expansion is far from over.
For more details about the movie, its cast, storyline, and the virtual screening experience, visit the links below.
https://watch.eventive.org/sfdocfest2024/play/6620f254a0b34b0058b26d1b
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32307345/?ref_=tt_mv_close