Setanta Television’s sporting documentary ‘Coach,’ a 52 mintute journey through the blood, sweat and tears of a New York high school sporting season, will premiere at the Cork Film Festival on Saturday 16th October.
The original concept for the film was based on an idea of Tom Humphries (Irish Times). Director Liam McGrath spent a year in New York filming several coaches. This film features three of them, all at high school level, and a number of their students.
Setanta Television began filming Coach with development money from Media Plus and the Irish Film Board. With filming underway German production company Zero Films, came on board and the programme was developed into five x 25 minutes, under the name American Dreams, which will be broadcast on Arte in November, during the week of the US presidential election. Editing was done in Berlin by Irish editor Mick Mahon.
‘Coach’ is set against the backdrop of New York’s failing public school system. Players battle for a future as coaches act as mentors and guides in their fight to teach their student lessons that will help them in their future lives.
Charismatic Jake is an ex-heroin addict, soccer coach, battling hepatitis and struggling to lead immigrant students to a New York city championship. Coach Major is taking a back seat in basketball coaching this year to spend more time with his young son. He takes on the big mouthed ex-student, Todd to look after his team.
This is a glimpse into the real lives of New York high schools like you’ve never seen before.
Coach will be screened on Saturday 16th October at 9.30pm in the Kino Cinema.
www.setanta.com
