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.
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Eric BizzarriDirectorI Wanna Make a Movie, or I Wanna Die Trying, Cold Hands, The Shallow End
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Tavish GudgeonWriter
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Eric BizzarriWriter
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Riel BoProducer
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Emidio LopesKey Cast"Fraser Lockewood"
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Andrew BeeKey Cast"Coach Riggs"
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Rachel PetersKey Cast"Julia Lockewood"
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Cameron StewartKey Cast"Alex"
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Jolly AmoakoKey Cast"Mitchell"
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Quinn BennettKey Cast"Domo"
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Emily KindredKey Cast"Ruthanne"
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Bryan PiitzKey Cast"Principal Hightower"
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Project Type:Short
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Runtime:16 minutes
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Completion Date:December 23, 2019
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Production Budget:15,000 USD
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Country of Origin:Canada
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Country of Filming:Canada
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:2.39:1 Scope
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Canadian Film Fest
Canada
June 6, 2020
World Premiere -
Forest City Film FestivalLondon, 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 FestivalHalifax
Canada
February 23, 2021
Halifax Premiere
Official Selection
Distribution Information
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Super ChannelDistributorCountry: WorldwideRights: Internet, Video on Demand, Paid TV
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Sisterhood Media TVDistributorCountry: WorldwideRights: Internet, Video on Demand, Paid TV
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.
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.