Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.bluessoccerclub.com
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Blues Soccer Club is pleased to announce it has joined Beach Futbol Club as a presenting sponsor of the Long Beach screening of the feature film “Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story” this coming Sunday, November 6. The Blues had already come onboard as one of the sponsors of tomorrow’s screening in Anaheim, but General Manager Alyse LaHue decided to up the ante for the worthy cause.
“All of us in the soccer community should have an interest in this film doing well,” LaHue said. “Jay DeMerit’s story proves that it’s possible to accomplish your dream in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It’s powerful enough that it will appeal even to those with no previous connection to soccer, and I’m sure more than a few will walk away with a newfound passion for our sport. We encourage all Blues supporters to grab their friends and family and join us in celebrating this tremendous film.”
“Rise & Shine” will be screened down the street from the Blues’ home venue, Fullerton’s Titan Stadium, in Anaheim, Long Beach and Buena Park, in addition to numerous other locations all over Southern California. The Blues will have tables at the UltraLuxe Anaheim 14 (November 3, 7.30 p.m.) and at the Art Theater of Long Beach (November 6, 11.30 a.m.). For a complete listing of locations and showtimes, please visit www.jaydemeritstory.com.
The 92-minute film traces DeMerit’s journey from failed tryouts with Major League Soccer through early frustrations in English football’s lowest divisions. In an inspiring sports tale, DeMerit ultimately triumphs in soccer glory, becoming a captain for England’s Watford FC and joining Team USA as a hard-charging center halfback at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
As unique as the story is the way the film was financed. Ranko Tutulugdzija and Nick Lewis, who co-directed “Rise & Shine,” built a huge groundswell and raised funds through the grassroots crowd-sourcing organization Kickstarter (www.kickstarter.com). Kickstarter is an online fundraiser for musicians, artists, filmmakers and others to fund projects via donations and participation from the public.
“To have people reach out and volunteer their time and creativity has been something we didn’t expect,” Lewis said. “It really is a testament to Jay's story. This film is not just for those who love soccer but for anyone who has a dream.”