DERBY, BABY! A STORY OF LOVE, ADDICTION, AND RINK RASH
The New Documentary Celebrates Its West Coast Premier At The Sonoma International Film Festival (April 11-15)
Sonoma, CA (March 27, 2012) – In the new feature length documentary Derby, Baby!, Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Robin Bond and Dave Wruck take you with them on their international quest to learn why women's flat track roller derby is the fastest growing sport in the world. The film celebrates its West Coast Premier during the 2012 Sonoma International Film Festival (April 11-15, 2012), showing at the Sebastiani Theatre on Saturday, April 14 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $15.00 and go on sale April 2nd at www.sonomafilmfest.org.
50 Roller Derby women from Sonoma County’s own Resurrection Roller Girls, the Sonoma County Derby Girls, and the Sacred City Sacramento Derby Girls – as well junior Roller Derby girls from Sonoma – will be on hand in full uniform for a meet and greet at the film’s West Coast Premier at 2 pm on Saturday April 14th. The premier will take place at the 1930s Sebastiani Theatre on Sonoma's historic plaza, next to the original site of the Sebastiani Rollertorium, a once-beloved roller rink that lives on as part of Sonoma's legendary past.
Local resident and Sonoma International Film Festival co-founder Jerry Seltzer, who is interviewed in the Derby, Baby! film, will also be on site for the festivities. Known as “The Commissioner” to derby skaters everywhere, Jerry Seltzer’s father Leo invented roller derby in the 1930s, and Jerry himself promoted roller derby during the sport’s “Golden Age” between the 1959-1973.
But modern day roller derby is entirely different than the slam-bam bigger-than-life TV spectacle from the 60’s and 70’s. Today’s skaters are lured by the community and self-propriety at the core of the current roller derby movement. But on the track, athleticism and competition reign. Just ask modern roller derby superstar Suzy Hotrod, of NYC’s Gotham Roller Girls, who is also interviewed in the film. She was recently featured in ESPN Magazine’s The Body Issue, and will be on site in Sonoma for the screening of Derby, Baby!.
Narrated by Whip It star Juliette Lewis, Derby, Baby! explores the drama, the friendships, and the addictive nature of women’s roller derby. Along the way, the film reveals the sport at its most turbulent time since its inception 77 years ago, and finds derby’s growing foothold in mainstream consciousness going head to head with the DIY culture and empowerment that currently defines the sport.
Indeed, women’s roller derby today finds itself at a tipping point. Can derby’s unique culture co-exist with the capitalism of mainstream sports? What does the future of women’s roller derby look like?
Derby, Baby! isn’t just a film about roller derby - it’s a fascinating look into the world of competitive sports as run by women, and attentively examines this singularity as the sport adapts to its changing landscape.
For additional screenings and information visit:
www.facebook.com/DerbyBabyFilm
About the Sonoma International Film Festival
A destination film festival located in the heart of wine country, the Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is uniquely positioned to be a lively celebration of film, food and wine. An annual gathering for film industry insiders, cinema enthusiasts and independent filmmakers, Sonoma is one of the most scenic and epicurean places to experience the art of film. Founded in 1997 as the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, SIFF is now a five-day international event that takes pride in showcasing independent films.
SIFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Festival supports the Sonoma Valley High School Media Arts Program established over a decade ago by the Sonoma Film Society.
The 15th annual Sonoma International Film Festival will take place from April 11 to 15, 2012. For more information, contact:
(707) 933-2600
SonomaFilmFest.org
facebook.com/sonomafilmfestival
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SIFF Media Contact
Brooke Conner Sevenau
Studio Seven PR
707-934-5631
MEDIA ACCREDITATION: http://www.sonomafilmfest.org/media-accreditation-form
PLEASE CONTACT MADISON HOUSE PUBLICITY TO
RECEIVE A DVD SCREENER OR TO RSVP FOR A SCREENING EVENT.
For more information regarding Derby, Baby! please contact
Madison House Publicity
303.413.8308
Carrie Lombardi / carrie@madisonhousepublicity.com
Megan McFann / megan@madisonhousepublicity.com
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