Trailer And Release Date Set For Sports Doc “Alaskan Nets”

Trailer And Release Date Set For Sports Doc Alaskan NetsGood Deed Entertainment has announced a release date of April 8 on digital and video on demand for sports documentary ALASKAN NETS. The film, which is exec-produced by Chris Pratt and his production company Indivisible Productions, made its world premiere at the 36th Santa Barbara International Film Festival in the Documentary Competition this past year and won the Audience Choice Award.

Off the coast of Southeast Alaska lies an island — remote, largely hidden from the outside world and home to the Tsimshian natives of Alaska’s last remaining native reserve: Metlakatla. For more than a century, two sacred traditions have defined Metlakatla: fishing and basketball. Audiences will witness the improbable journey of cousins Danny Marsden and DJ King, fishermen and stars of the high school basketball team as they lead their team and town toward their first state championship in more than 30 years – the only thing that will bring life back to an island that has undergone unimaginable tragedy.

“Making this film was a giant leap of faith,” stated Director Jeff Harasimowicz. “We always believed it could be something special, and our continued belief is what kept us going these last four years. From our first conversation with Good Deed we could tell that they shared our passion and would be the perfect partner to help share this powerful story with the world. As they say in Metlakatla, ‘Wayi Wah! (Let’s Go!)’” Alaskan Nets is directed and produced by Jeff Harasimowicz of Raised By Wolves and produced by Ryan Welch of AO Films. It is made in association with SLAM and RTG Features. Pratt – who spent some of his childhood in Alaska – executive produced with Jon Schumacher and Sahir Iqbal.

Share

Film Review: The Struggle And Hope In “The Bicycle Thieves”

By Armando Inquig

In “The Bicycle Thieves,” the harrowing reality of post-war Italy is laid bare. Released during a time of economic hardship in 1948, the film reflects the stark reality of the ruins of war. Directed by Vittorio De Sica, “The Bicycle Thieves” is a cornerstone of Italian neorealism, and often cited as one of the best films ever made.

The film follows Antonio Ricci, luckless yet optimistic in post-war Rome. He is unemployed and desperate for work to support his family. His fortunes seemingly improve when he lands a job that requires a bicycle for posting advertising bills. His wife, Maria, pawns their bed linen to retrieve their pawned bicycle, and Antonio starts work, filled with renewed hope.

However, while at work, hoisting an advertising up a ladder, Antonio’s bicycle is snatched by a man. He chases the thief but loses him in the busy urban sprawl.

Antonio, along with his son Bruno, then sets out to search for the bicycle, which sets off a series of misadventures.

Their search leads them through various districts of Rome, and its economic and social diversity. They visit a market where stolen goods are, but they don’t find the bicycle. Desperation soon sets in as Antonio’s hope starts to dwindle. They encounter an old man who might know the thief’s whereabouts. They follow the suspect to his neighborhood. Antonio then accuses the man, but the suspect is released by the police as there is no proof. As Antonio and Bruno navigate the city, the day wanes and with it Antonio’s virtues.

In a moment of utter despair, he attempts to steal a bicycle himself. He is caught and humiliated in front of a crowd and, most importantly, in front of his son Bruno. The owner, seeing father and son’s distress, chooses not to press charges, and they are released.

“The Bicycle Thieves” culminates with Antonio and Bruno walking hand in hand, swallowed by the crowd, their future as uncertain as when the day began. The bicycle, and the hope it represented, remains lost to them.

De Sica’s portrayal of Antonio’s plight, his fallibility under the shadow of poverty, reflects a universal struggle against societal indifference.

“The Bicycle Thieves” is a poignant depiction of the human condition, a narrative that reaches beyond the constraints of time and place to echo the enduring spirit and trials of humanity.

The Criterion Collection recently released Bicycle Thieves in Blu-ray earlier this year. The 4K digital restoration is a special edition release that includes the previously released documentary from 2003 on screenwriter and longtime De Sica collaborator Cesare Zavattini, directed by Carlo Lizzani.

Share
Page 2 of 2
1 2