Los Angeles-based Boxer Films director Lawrence O’Flahavan dives into the real-world magic of Quidditch in the 30-minute documentary “Brooms Up!” highlighting the 2010 International Quidditch Association’s 4th Annual World Cup. The intercollegiate tournament, held in New York City’s DeWitt Clinton Park, hosted 46 teams from across the World competing in a grounded version of the fictional sport imagined by J.K. Rowling in the famed Harry Potter series. The translation of this fantasy game into a real life competition has brought thrills to veteran and novice teams alike. Originating with the first World Cup between Middlebury College in 2007 and Vassar College , the intercollegiate competition has picked up a frenzied momentum and rapidly developed into a fierce intercollegiate competition between over 100 teams for this year’s event on November 12-13, 2011 at New York City’s Randall Island.
Much like its fictional predecessor, Quidditch matches are played between two teams of seven players “riding” non-magical broomsticks, using four balls and six elevated ring-shaped goals (three on each side of the pitch), attempting to score at each goal while avoiding obstacle from opposing offensive players. The game end when a player catches the human snitch, who craftily defies all rules to ensure that the players do not catch them.
In “Brooms Up!” the excitement is palpable as teams have mustered up every ounce of energy to bring their teams to the NYC tournament, many for the first time. Teams range from the highly experienced and brazen defending champions from Middlebury College to the haughty reformed frat boys of the rookie team, America’s Finest. A unique energy is brought to the game from the charming original human snitch, Rainey Johnson, who charismatically weaves his way through the pitch to entertain the crowd through both his antics and extension of the gametime. Additional quirky characters including the witty and sarcastic pack of game announcers and the kind and enthusiastic creator of real world magic handcrafts, David Wedzik of Alivan’s Brooms, illuminate this intercollegiate tournament into a compelling story of finding the joy in any activity, magic-inspired or not.
About Boxer
Comprised of award-winning filmmakers, shooters, cutters and development minds, LA-based Boxer Films is an ideas machine where collaboration is king. Since 1999, Boxer has delivered with this as its credo, continually breaking new ground in branded content, interactive and broadcast. Founder/EP John Clark, EP Beth George and EP John Barrerio have fostered a results-driven, family-like creative culture that makes Boxer the ideal creative partner in any quest for exceptional storytelling.
Boxer director Jim Zoolalian’s 14-minute short film “Miracle” recently took home a Coup de Coeur at the 64th Cannes International Film Festival and Boxer director Rodrigo Garcia Saiz received a 2011 Cannes Gold Lion for his AMIS :30, “Office.”
Credits:
Production Company: Boxer
Director: Lawrence O’Flahavan
Editor: James Stubbs
###