Hoops, from Glass Ceiling Arts Collective (New Zealand, 2023), is a short film that explores the intersections of sport and disability. Through images and moments rather than grand claims, it raises questions about achievement, teamwork, prejudice and the barriers people face. The film touches on themes of bullying, motivation, and the everyday realities of cognitive, intellectual and physical impairments, including wheelchair use. Presented in the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, Hoops offers a thoughtful, human glimpse into how young people navigate stigma and stereotypes around ability. It invites audiences to reflect on determination, inclusion and what it means to be part of a team.
For as long as she could remember, Olivia had dreamt of being a basketball player. From a very young age, her dad had high aspirations for her to become the first female member of the Auckland Breakers. Olivia and her dad spent hours watching reruns of the NBA, meticulously copying every one of Michael Jordan's moves. She followed a strict training regime, eating raw eggs for breakfast, running for hours each day and spending day after day, night after night, shooting hoops whilst her family waited and waited and waited. It's 10 o'clock Olivia, can we go home? Dad, I'm hungry. We'll go to Macca's on the way home. Kids, Olivia's going to be in the Auckland Breakers one of these days, and I tell you, these last 10 shots will be the difference between her sitting on the bench or being in the team. Now come on, cheer on your sister. Good girl. Three, yes, Olivia! Olivia was obsessed with hoops, so much so that she only ate burger rings, only wore hoop earrings, and rarely enjoyed embroidery. But there were some people who didn't believe girls could become basketball stars. Guys like Kevin. Girls can't play basketball. Ralph. Yeah, a girl can't jump. David. They're about to return the boy on the bank line. Fred. A girl playing in the Breakers? Ty. You cannot be serious. And who could forget Patrick. That will never happen. Olivia was mad. You eat my hoops. Are you alright? You alright? Oh, yeah! Pull it up! High five, dude! High five, Kev! Oh no, he dropped the ball! Oh, you're a girl. Sorry, this is a boys-only game. We are one player down. Come on, guys, let's give that girl a shot. Anya, good roll up! Okay, show us what you can do. Of course, the boys in question drastically underestimated Olivia's talent. That girl can jump! She's mine! Well, that girl can too. Whoa. Epic. You do cope? Yes, she does! From that moment on, Olivia not only became their coach, but also their star player. Which proves girls can certainly shoot hoops. No thanks. I'll take them. No, I'll take them, please. Can you do one for me? Yeah, why not? I'm full. Here, I'll drop you for this. Drop them. I want to go inside. Oh, look at yours!
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Hoops
by Glass Ceiling Arts Collective - INTERNATIONAL SHORT
