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Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story is a 2013 documentary film directed by Franklin Martin with Dutchmen Films and Cinipix as producers.[2] A teenager, Kevin Laue, pursues his dream to become the first one-armed man to play NCAA Division I basketball. The film documents the daily struggles of a young man coming to terms with his need for his deceased father's approval while battling obstacles to fulfill his dream.[3]
| Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Franklin Martin |
| Written by | Franklin Martin |
| Produced by |
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| Edited by |
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| Music by | Robin Soper |
Production company | Dutchman Films |
| Distributed by | Freestyle Releasing [1] |
Release date |
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Synopsis
editIn the womb, Laue's umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Lack of circulation to the arm restrained by the cord meant it ended just below the elbow.[4] Laue continued to face adversity; his father died when he was in middle school. A former athlete and youth coach, his father had difficulty accepting Kevin's disability. His family and the loss of his father became motivating factors to drive Kevin in his journey to become one of the elite few to play Division I basketball.[5]
Laue's mother was left to beg the rival coach to let her 6’9” son have a chance to try out for his basketball team after refusals from all teams in her area. The five-year, father-son relationship began between Coach McKnight and Laue. McKnight saw something in Laue and gave him the chance, training, and skills Laue needed to complete his own goals.[6] The film shows Laue as a 6’11” high-school student in a small California town, on a trip to meet the President, becoming a starter under multiple coaches, and finally in New York City.[7]
Filming
editDuring the edit of Franklin Martin's first film, Walking On Dead Fish, Martin coached an AAU team during a tournament in Las Vegas.[citation needed] Martin was coaching a team playing against Laue and McKnight. Martin was immediately amazed by Laue's talent, then became astounded at the ability and technique that Laue possessed while only have one arm. Martin contacted McKnight and Laue immediately following the game. Upon McKnight's and Martin's first handshake, Martin had begun his second film where he shot for four years, following Kevin's path to his dreams. The documentary takes place in Pleasanton, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Berkeley, CA; New York City, NY; Fork Union, VA; and Pittsburgh, PA.[8]
Release
editThe film premiered in New York City on October 26, 2012, at the Quad Cinema. Long Shot: A Kevin Laue Story has been picked up by the production and distribution company Cinipix.[9] Cinipix is proposing a fall theatrical release in select cities.[10]
Reception
editDaniel M. Gold of the New York Times criticized the documentary's focus on the loss of Laue's father, but left a favorable review otherwise.
References
edit- ^ "Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story | Freestyle Releasing". Archived from the original on 2015-02-19. Retrieved 2015-02-19.
- ^ "Film". The Kevin Laue Story. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ Gold, Daniel M. (October 25, 2012). "A One-Armed Student of Hoops". The New York Times. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ "Story". The Kevin Laue Story. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ "Basketball player beats the odds". CNN. October 26, 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ Noh, David (October 25, 2012). "Film Review: Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story". Film Journal. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ John, Andersin (2 December 2012). "Review: "Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story"". Variety. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ Weisberg, Sam (November 9, 2012). "Franklin Martin On transitioning from sports to filmmaking, etc". Screen Comment. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ Deadline Team (29 May 2013). "Cinipix Acquires Sports Docu 'Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story'". Deadline.
- ^ "Long Shot". Cinipix. Retrieved 18 June 2013.