Podcast Episode 17: Stuart Krohn & Dennis Lovelace (Scrum - Rugby in the Inner City)

Following the theme of youth rugby in California with our last podcast, in this episode I talk to Los Angeles based former International player Stuart Krohn and Filmmaker Dennis Lovelace. Stuart is the Director of the Inner City Education Foundation Public Schools (ICEF) Rugby Program that serves schools in the South LA area. The rugby program caught the eye of Dennis, who in collaboration with Stuart and ICEF, is currently filming a documentary about the program called “SCRUM - Rugby in the Inner City". 

We talk about how the program and film respectively got started, and the impact Stuart and Dennis's partnership has had on the lives of the kids involved.

You can listen to the podcast on the player below or head on over to iTunes, our Facebook page, or our RSS Feed.  To learn more about ICEF visit http://icefla.org.  For more on “SCRUM - Rugby in the Inner City" visit http://scrummovie.com/

Freetime Machos Tribeca Premiere tonight

Just a reminder that Freetime Machos will be making its US debut at the Tribeca Film Festival tonight.  Although tickets are almost sold out, there are still some available.  Head on over to the Tribeca Website to pick them up.

I'll be at the screening, so if you spot me, come on over and say hi!

In case you missed it...you can find my review of the film here and my interview with the Director,  Mika Ronkainen, here.

Freetime Machos brings rugby to Tribeca

In his latest documentary Freetime Machos, Finnish director Mika Ronkainen takes us on an interesting journey into the lives of a rugby team in his home city of Oulu, Finland.

The story focuses on Matti and Mikka, two friends brought together by the love of the sport but growing painfully apart with the demands of everyday life.  Matti, the cockier of the two, isn't sure if he wants to settle down with his long-time girlfriend or live the life of Reilly.  Older and wiser Mikka struggles to balance his commitment to his teammates with ever-growing responsibilities to his wife and four kids.   

Their beloved team is also facing problems: without a single win, they face relegation from the first division.  English coach Roger is troubled by the glaring deficiencies of his team, but finds solace in practice as he faces the prospect of losing his job in a round of mass layoffs at Nokia.

Helping Matti and Mikka on and off the field are fellow teammates Jarmo, an accomplished author writing his next book; Tuomo, an ornithologist with a dislike for the team's mascot; and Ana, a Spanish exchange student recruited to practice with the guys but forbidden to play in games. 

As the season progresses,  the team's fate and the future of the two men unfold comically yet poignantly.   Though rugby is the vehicle, this film is really about friendship, modern Finnish life and men's changing role in society.  

Grab a mate, head for one of the screenings (see below), and enjoy a rare glimpse of amateur rugby at its rawest.

Freetime Machos premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Sunday, April 25th with additional screenings additional screenings 4/26, 4/28, and 5/1.  For further details visit Tribeca Film Festival and the Freetime Machos homepage.  For an exclusive interview with the director, check out my podcast here .

Podcast Episode 9: Director Mika Ronkainen

Last month,  I posted a blog about a new documentary coming out called Freetime Machos by Finnish director, Mika Ronkainen.  The film follows two friends, Matti and Mikko, who play for a rugby team in the Northern wilds of Finland.  The film has officially been selected to be shown at this years Tribeca Film Festival and will premier on Sunday April 25th.

For the latest podcast, I caught up with Mika and we chatted about the inspiration behind the film and gain a little insight into what rugby is like in Finland.

You can listen to the podcast online on the Podcast Page, via iTunes, or by RSS Feed 

To find out more about the film and buy tickets to see it, check out the Tribeca festival page.

Tribeca Film Festival to showcase Finish Rugby Documentary

The films for this years Tribeca Film Festival in New York city has just been announced and will include a Finish rugby documentary called Freetime Machos.  

Directed by Mika Ronkainen, the film follows two friends, Matti and Mikko, and their team (Finland’s worst amateur rugby team) as they try to end the season with just a single win.

Tickets will be going on sale shortly (more details here) and check out the trailer below.

Ruggers needed for movie being filmed this weekend in DC

Got this from Stefan Hankin of PAC Rugby (thanks Stefan!).

Adams Morgan the Movie, a full length feature film, is currently filming in Washington DC. There are two rugby scenes in this film which will be filmed on Sunday morning.

The producers have requested 30 players and at least 60 people to act as "fans". Filming will start at 7am on Sunday and run until about 2pm. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.

Filming will take place behind the DC United's practice field next to RFK at the corner of C street and Oklahoma Ave NE. Turn off C street onto Oklahoma, take your first right into the parking lot. Closest metro is Stadium / Armory.

If you are interested in being part of this movie, please email Stefan so he can put you on the list.

Players: The "match" is between two adult men's teams, sorry ladies (and young looking college players). Please wear normal rugby attire, boots, headgear if you normally wear it etc, jersey's will be provided.

Fans: The "match" is supposed to take place in the Fall, so just dress as you would if you were going to watch a match. Please do not wear any articles of clothing that could be viewed as product placement, rugby jerseys are ok. Need people of all ages, gender etc. Little kids are more than welcome. Need to make this look as genuine as possible Please let me know if you have any questions.

More information on the movie can be found at http://www.adamsmorganthemovie.com

New rugby documentary: "A Giant Awakens"

I just recently heard about "A Giant Awakens" friend of mine, Paul Simko (Cheers Paul!). The 60 minute HD documentary explores 130 years of rugby in America and is schedule for DVD release November 1st in the US (Blu-Ray and International to follow soon after).
Check out the trailer below..

A Giant Awakens - Trailer HD 1 from sylvain doreau on Vimeo.