SXSW AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER THE SHORT GAME BIRDIES INTO THEATERS ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2013,
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake Join as Executive Producers
Los Angeles, CA – Phase 4 Films in partnership with Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that the companies are jointly releasing Emmy award-winning director Josh Greenbaum’s THE SHORT GAME. Greenbaum’s feature debut won the 2013 South by Southwest (SXSW) Audience Award for Documentary Features and played to rousing audiences and rave reviews. Phase 4 Films and Samuel Goldwyn Films plan a September 20th release.
Every year, the best 7-year-old golfers from around the world gather at the world famous Pinehurst Golf course in North Carolina to determine the next world champion and global superstar. THE SHORT GAME follows the lives of eight of the best 7-year-old golfers in the world as they train for and compete in the World Championships of Junior Golf. In its course, the eight stories entwine to form a fascinating and often funny portrait of a group of very young athletes and their families, in which the narrow-focused, peculiar and highly competitive junior golf subculture becomes both a window into contemporary global society and an inspiring reflection of the human condition.
Josh Greenbaum, in his feature directorial debut, brings a unique and entertaining angle by following the youngest golfers on the circuit. Greenbaum, a recent father of twin girls, said, “While I’m not a golfer, I’ve always been fascinated, and perhaps more importantly, incredibly entertained by kids this age. I find their unabashed confidence coupled with their innocent naiveté makes for a very funny combination of inspiration and unexpected wisdom. And while the film may appear on the surface to be about kid golfers, it quickly becomes about much more.”
Executive Producers, Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake added, “We are thrilled to be a part of THE SHORT GAME, a film whose message is one of positivity and perseverance – not to mention eight adorable and hilarious kids who can no doubt teach us a few things on the golf course.”
Berry Meyerowitz, Phase 4’s President & CEO, commented “We are delighted to partner with Delirio Films and Samuel Goldwyn Films to bring THE SHORT GAME to audiences nationwide. It’s one of those rare films that parents can take their kids to and both enjoy on different levels. We have every expectation that moviegoers will be utterly charmed by this inspirational and uplifting movie and will want to watch it again and again.”
The deals with Phase 4 Films and Samuel Goldwyn Films were negotiated by Josh Braun of Submarine on behalf of the filmmakers.
A Delirio Films Production, THE SHORT GAME is directed by Josh Greenbaum, produced by Greenbaum, Rafael Marmor and Christopher Leggett, executive produced by Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Timm Oberwelland, John Battsek and David Frankel. Composer is Emmy award-wining Mark Mothersbaugh and editor is Billy McMillin. The film features Allan Kournikova, Zamokuhle Nxasana, Alexa Pano, Kuang Yang, Jed Dy, Augustin Valery, Sky Sudberry, and Amari Avery.
Press release provided by Samuel Goldwyn Films and PMK+BNC.