Experiencing Interruptions?

Pressure Play

Fraser, 17, is a shy and introverted only child, but he speaks volumes on the court through his passion for basketball. Fraser has a chance to prove himself when the coach catches him practicing after school hours.

  • Eric Bizzarri
    Director
    I Wanna Make a Movie, or I Wanna Die Trying, Cold Hands, The Shallow End
  • Tavish Gudgeon
    Writer
  • Eric Bizzarri
    Writer
  • Riel Bo
    Producer
  • Emidio Lopes
    Key Cast
    "Fraser Lockewood"
  • Andrew Bee
    Key Cast
    "Coach Riggs"
  • Rachel Peters
    Key Cast
    "Julia Lockewood"
  • Cameron Stewart
    Key Cast
    "Alex"
  • Jolly Amoako
    Key Cast
    "Mitchell"
  • Quinn Bennett
    Key Cast
    "Domo"
  • Emily Kindred
    Key Cast
    "Ruthanne"
  • Bryan Piitz
    Key Cast
    "Principal Hightower"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 23, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1 Scope
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Canadian Film Fest

    Canada
    June 6, 2020
    World Premiere
  • Forest City Film Festival
    London, Ontario
    Canada
    October 21, 2020
  • Short Long World Festival

    Argentina
    November 6, 2020
    International Premiere
  • Indie Short Fest

    United States
    November 8, 2020
    Semi-Finalist: Best Narrative Short
  • Silver State Film Festival

    United States
    December 11, 2020
  • Halifax Black Film Festival
    Halifax
    Canada
    February 23, 2021
    Halifax Premiere
    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • Super Channel
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Paid TV
  • Sisterhood Media TV
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Paid TV
Director Biography - Eric Bizzarri

Eric Bizzarri is an award winning Writer, Director and Producer based in Toronto. Primarily interested in the nuances of human relationships, Eric's work investigates toxic masculinity, male-male abuse, friendships and intimacy. His short films The Shallow End, Cold Hands and Pressure Play have been distributed by Amazon Prime (US, UK, Germany), Revry, think shorts and Super Channel, respectively. His latest film, I Wanna Make a Movie, or I Wanna Die Trying was an Official Selection at the 2021 TIFF Next Wave, Myrtle Beach International Film Festival and Whistler Film Festival, before making its broadcast premiere on CBC's Canadian Reflections program in early 2022.

Eric is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Future of Film Showcase, an annual film festival based in Toronto fostering the future of emerging Canadian filmmakers. He is a graduate of York University with a Bachelors Degree of Fine Arts in Film Production with Honors.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Pressure Play focuses on themes of toxic masculinity, specifically the way that many young male adults find themselves under pressure to “be” or “act” a certain way in order to be considered a man. This happens everywhere, constantly, and affects almost everyone. As a teenager, I was sexually assaulted by another male classmate in my school. The incident remains a fragile subject for me, and has made a significant impact in my life. Over the course of the rise of the #MeToo movement, I’ve become inspired by multiple survivors coming forward, especially by men, who are often overlooked when it comes to assault.

Pressure Play takes place before the #MeToo and #TimesUp conversations. The topics coming to light are not necessarily out of the ordinary, but the awakening happening now has not yet occurred. Our Lead character Fraser and his friends discuss everything at school. It’s a much larger, more internal battle for Fraser, since it feels like there are less avenues of support and communication for him.

Playing baseball his whole life, our Director of Photography (Julian Lomaga) pursued collegiate baseball in the United States at Louisiana State University of Alexandria. While being part of the sports atmosphere and lifestyle in Canada and the USA, he has experienced instances of a disproportionate, negative attitude within sports. This relation of film and sports fuels Lomaga's cinematography and has brought to light Lomaga's truth that within practicing, while doing what you enjoy and love on a daily basis, one must tune out any damaging negativity.

Pressure Play is a huge inspiration to myself and Julian, because of its ultimate message, tuning out an audience that is telling you otherwise and following your heart to do what you enjoy and strive to do best.