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“Mystic Ball is a remarkable and uplifting film that provides an extremely rare and penetrating view into the lives of the people of Myanmar”. —Terry McEvoy – Vancouver International Film Festival
What would drive a man to devote his life to a sport that no one else plays? At least nowhere outside Myanmar, one of the most inaccessible and mysterious countries in Asia.
Mystic Ball is the story of filmmaker Greg Hamilton's journey deep into the culture of Chinlone, Myanmar's traditional sport. Chinlone is hard to define, it's a sport that is also dance and meditation. It combines the explosiveness of martial art with the elegance of ballet. It features extraordinary acrobatics and foot skills that would dazzle any soccer player.
The object of the game is to keep a woven rattan ball up in the air using only the feet and knees. But the real aim is to create something beautiful. Though very much a team sport, there is no opposing team, and no winners or losers. See an example: http://www.mysticball-themovie.com/trailerclips.html
Beautifully shot, this intimate film follows Greg as he pursues his dream of becoming an accomplished chinlone player, while subtly capturing his search for family, community and love. This inspiring story will give you a sense of the mystical, and encourage a closer look at your own journey.
Myanmar (formerly Burma) was hit by Cyclone Nargis on May 3, 2008. The far south of the country was hit the worst and Yangon, the capital, was also hit badly. Over 60,000 people have died and 1.5 million people are at risk. This benefit screening of Mystic Ball will send aid directly to the people affected.
Directed, narrated by and starring Greg Hamilton. Mystic Ball was produced by Matthew London and Greg Hamilton.
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