Abramorama shared the official trailer for The Short Game, the award-winning, family friendly film starring Ben Krieger from Nickelodeon’s Counting Stars as a teenage golf prodigy struggling with his game as he is forced to care for his autistic brother played by Owen Himfar. Also starring in the film are Mackenzie Astin (The Pitt, The Blacklist) and Brandon Potter (The Chosen).
Directed by Frank Sanza making his feature directorial debut, The Short Game made its world premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival, and went on has garnered multiple wins at festivals around the globe, including Paladino D’oro Sport Film Festival – Best Production Film; Fest International: Edinburgh – Best Picture; Garden State Film Festival – Best Family Feature; Myrtle Beach International Film Festival – Best Feature, Best Overall Film, Best Director; and Worldfest – Houston International Film Festival – Best Feature Inspirational; Best Rising Actor: Ben Krieger.
It opens in select theaters nationwide on July 25th.
Jeremy Avery is vying for a college golf scholarship awarded to the winner of the State Championship, but his preparation and game are affected by family pressures related to his mother’s recovery from cancer and having to take care of his younger autistic brother Ethan. These challenges, along with the burden of carrying his team to State against an opponent who will do anything to win, force Jeremy to reconsider his priorities and see his brother’s savant-like gifts, which if embraced can create an unstoppable pair. On the brink of his greatest victory, Jeremy is forced to make a life-altering decision between finally realizing his own personal dreams or standing by his brother.
“As a sports enthusiast and father of an autistic child, creating a film to bring awareness to the special gifts of children on – the – spectrum was the impetus for The Short Game . Though the overall story is fictitious, several of the moments in this film were drawn from my personal experiences as a high school golfer, as well as present day interactions with my autistic son,” said Frank Sanza, Writer / Director.
He continued, “Golf was the perfect vehicle through which to present the themes in our story, including the importance of family, friendship and faith i n overcoming the challenges we all face in life. The title The Short Game refers not only to an aspect of golf, but also to the idea that life is short and it’s important to make the most of every opportunity.”
Watch the official trailer for The Short Game.