The film (title tbd)

An eighty-year old brings pickleball mania to the City of Angels.

Our Story

Pickleball is taking over the country in a wild west-like fashion, growing from 5 million to 36 million players in one year. The sport is raking in millions in investments from the likes of Lebron James, and devotion from the Katie Couric's of the world. This documentary sets itself amidst this cultural moment. But rather than following the money, big names, or history, we find ourselves in the charming world of players at an unassuming neighborhood park. 

In 2010, well before pickleball’s popularity surge, Marshall Pura, established the first court in LA, and has been teaching the game ever since. Our film explores the seemingly magical, mystifying power of pickleball through this godfather figure of the sport, and the quirky, intimate community he has brought together with it. Two of his crew are John Sabado and Norair Harutynian.

Our Characters

Marshall

An 80 year old from New Jersey, a husband to his beloved wife, a self-proclaimed “hoot,” a retired therapist, welcoming, gregarious, the mentor to the sport and its fans in LA.

Norair

A flute and drums player, a clock maker, originally from Armenia, paralyzed in a work injury as a firefighter, devoted to his love of music and sports, playful and optimistic.

John

A retired set designer, mellow and kind, living with Parkinsons for 25 years, a music-lover and harmonica player, quick to smile, a regular and formidable pickler.

Our exploration

The short documentary is a character driven film, following Norair, John, and Marshall as they navigate the worries and wonders of their everyday life on and off the court. The film delves into what they find in playing pickleball, and why that matters.

With John, Marshall, and Norair, this film seeks to understand how something as seemingly simple as playing pickleball with others can be incredibly meaningful, helping us find purpose, agency, joy, an expansion of our fuller selves or different versions we did not know were there. It shows audiences the bravery and happiness that people bring to themselves and others.

Behind-the-scenes

Some intimate looks into our characters, crew, and story — our world.

Film Status

We will continue to update on the status of our film’s journey.

We are currently in production, with 80+% of our film already shot. As we move towards post, we are looking for the right partners and supporters to help get our film to the finish line.

Please reach out, and join our community!