Emmy-winning documentarian Judd Ehrlich has mastered the craft of exposing compelling and honest stories not just centered around high school athletics, but around whole communities who find themselves misunderstood. His ability to pick apart the intricacies of race, socio-economic status, and spirituality within the confines of sports is unparalleled. It’s why his 2014 film “We Could Be King,” which followed two Philadelphia rival football teams who were forced to merge as one after a drastic budget crisis, won him an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Documentary.
Ehrlich’s same directorial finesse can be seen in “KEEPERS OF THE GAME,” his TriBeCa film that highlighted the intense gender and spiritual divide that the girls of the Akwesane lacrosse team face. Lacrosse was born in Akwesasne Mohawk Territory as a sacred game, traditionally reserved for men. But just off the reservation at Salmon River High in Fort Covington, NY an all-Native girls lacrosse hopes to bring home a Section Championship while at the same time dealing with the increasing tension in their own community. With more than just the championship on the line, the girls fight to blaze a new path for the next generation of Native women, while still honoring their people’s tradition in a changing world.
The film debuted at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival to an overwhelming positive response. As Ehrlich notes, “It’s the most important moment, to see how the people in the film respond to their portrayal, and we got overwhelmingly positive feedback that night from both the team and the audience. The girls got an extended standing ovation, which was incredibly moving to witness.”
“KEEPERS OF THE GAME” is proving to be one of the most important films to watch this season — sports fanatic or not. Ahead of the film’s premiere on ESPN2 on May 30th at 11 p.m. EST, we spoke with director Judd Ehrlich about what he learned from the project, how he immersed himself into the girls’ culture, and more!
Continue reading on Aol.com.