There’s something special about sports movies, especially when they’re based on true stories. They’re often powerful tales of underdogs stepping up to meet the moment. They tug on our heartstrings and make us feel invested in a dynamic drama.
Films like Breaking Away, Rudy, Hoosiers, McFarland, USA and Gridiron Gang are feel good movies that make us root for the little guy. Most recently, Nyad earned Oscar nominations for Annette Bening and Jodie Foster in the remarkable story of athlete Diane Nyad who, at the sage of 60, commits to swimming 110 miles from Cuba to Florida.
The Long Game, set in 1955, tells the story of the San Felipe Mustangs—five young Mexican-American caddies who went on to compete against wealthy all-white teams and win the 1957 Texas State High School Golf Championship. The film has been called A Field of Dreams set in the world of golf. The uplifting story showcases triumph overcoming prejudice that broke barriers for many Latinos PGA Golfers to follow.
The film stars Jay Hernandez, who is no stranger to uplifting sports films have starred in Friday Night Lights, alongside Dennis Quaid, who starred in Breaking Away, and Cheech Marin who also starred in the golf dramedy Tin Cup. Julian Works of “9-1-1: Lone Star” is a standout as one of the young golfers.
“We are thrilled to share this powerful and inspirational film with audiences across the country who can come as a family to celebrate this true underdog story,” said Javier Chapa, co-founder of Mucho Mas Media. “Making this film with an all-star Latino cast and crew and amazing partners like Bonniedale sets an exciting blueprint for Mucho Mas Releasing.”
“I could not be [prouder] of The Long Game and place it in the same vein as The Rookie and Breaking Away,” said star and producer Dennis Quaid. “It’s a true and inspiring story beautifully put to screen by Julio Quintana. Great sports movies transcend the sport itself—this is an American dream story and exemplifies the kind of stories Bonniedale seeks to tell.”
“When I was younger, I saw golf as stuffy and overly restrictive, but once you get into it, by the very nature of the game, it requires a lot of virtue, honor and trust,” said the film’s director Julio Quintana. “Over the course of making the movie, the game really transformed into a very noble sport that elevates people. You have to have high character to participate in this game; I found a new respect for the whole sport.”
In 2012, the Mustangs were inducted into the Latino International Sports Hall of Fame for their historic victory. They inspired others to play the game in the ‘50s, and their influence continues today thanks to The Long Game, which aptly tells a wonderful true story that is engaging and entertaining.
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