“Lessons of Basketball and War” offers an exciting, uplifting and thoughtful exploration of universal themes - violence, prejudice, cultural identity and conflict resolution as seen through the eyes of adolescent girls – refugees from war and famine in Somalia who have resettled in a strange foreign city. Pushed together in an inner city housing project, religious traditions and beliefs are tested by the onslaught of a sexualized, celebrity obsessed America. Teachers work to help students with little previous education and a propensity for an abhorrent form of personal violence fueled by a legacy of ethnic hostilities. This hour-long documentary offers an engaging and at times thrilling account of a year in their young lives and the challenges faced by one dedicated educator, peacemaker and basketball coach.
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“An honest, unflinching and ultimately up-lifting story that deserves a wide audience.”
“An elegantly simple documentary - beautifully constructed and lovingly created.”
“A surprisingly moving documentary that gives a rare view into the lives of a unique group of immigrants.”
“A gift of insight and heart”
“A lovely gem of a film”
- IMDb Reviews
HOW TO WATCH THE FILM
Lessons of Basketball and War is coming to US public television stations nationwide later in 2023. Check with your local PBS station for dates and times.
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Our film is also available to rent or purchase through Amazon Prime Video.
PRAISE FOR LESSONS OF BASKETBALL AND WAR
"We love this beautiful film! It’s a perfect example of how sport can build peace, promote inclusion, and bridge opportunity gaps, while also helping girls recognize their worth, and reach their full potential. Moreover, it’s an excellent portrayal of how vital it is to have coaches who are not just developing their players’ skills on the court but are utilizing the sport to teach life lessons in a meaningful way. We think this is a great tool for educators and the general public in showing how girls’ participation in sports is important in promoting social and economic empowerment.”
- University of Tennessee Center for Sport, Peace & Society
“I have been telling everyone I know about the film and how much I enjoyed the inspiring, heartfelt...and at times hilarious...piece. As a high school teacher, I am always trying to reflect on how my presence and pedagogy impacts the youth I work with, and watching the film informed me in such a profound way. I imagine that the documentary could trigger the much needed dialogue in our building and our community.”
- Sarabeth Leitch, Educator, Portland, OR
LESSONS OF BASKETBALL AND WAR is available for licensing by community groups, corporations, libraries and school groups. A perfect centerpiece for awareness campaigns, special interest discussion groups, film programs and fund raisers. This film offers a great way to begin a positive conversation about diversity, immigration, conflict resolution and multi-cultural education. Groups screening the film have included middle school and high school assemblies, school outreach screenings, universities, community discussion groups, and film programs. Producer/Director/Writer Ron Bourke can be available to present the film upon special arrangement. Contact us for more information.