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Rookie Season

This is a film about what it takes to compete, and how it feels to pursue one's dream. A story of struggle and strife; of victories along the way; of defeat.

It is a universal underdog tale, recounted by driven characters, that attempts to answer one simple question: What is it, to race?

Documentary by definition, but cinematic in its execution, this film forgoes traditional video interviews and keeps the viewer enthralled in action as it follows the highs and lows of Rebel Rock Racing during their inaugural IMSA season.

  • Adrian Bonvento
    Director
  • Adrian Bonvento
    Editor
  • Adrian Bonvento
    Camera Operator
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Sports, Motorsport
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 15 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 29, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    40,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.9:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Adrian Bonvento

A creator and competitor at his core, Adrian Bonvento aims to convey his lifelong passion for sport in each of his films.

With a distinct filmmaking style, he produces compelling scenes that captivate the viewer through both action and art.

At the racetrack, Adrian consistently strives to push the limits of what can be accomplished as a solo operator, under pressure, without the option of multiple takes.

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Director Statement

In creating this film, I wanted to produce something that would remain relevant for some time to come. My goal was to focus on feeling over race results. I wanted to provide insight into what it truly is to race – how it feels, what it takes, and what it gives. At the same time, I wanted to tell a story that those outside the motorsport community could also relate to.

In order to better convey the incredible emotions and adrenaline that this sport has so often provided me, I made two primary decisions. First, I chose to forgo traditional sit-down interviews in favor of voice-only narration – to keep the viewer in the moment from one scene to the next. Second, I chose to rely solely on my own in-car video capture – to better harness the intensity and atmosphere within a race car.

My sincere hope is that I give race fans a film that is unique in both content and execution, while simultaneously creating a new-found appreciation of this sport, and the stories within it, for a wider audience.