Seward + Vanishing Seattle Highland Story
A 2FER!
Location, location, location and a bit of serendipity lead me to producing 2 films in this location. The former Highland Ice Arena had about 2 months until close and I had never even heard about it until then. A close friend of mine told me that she knew someone needing a doc shot of this place. Turns out it was Cynthia Brothers from Vanishing Seattle which I had done a project for. After I reach out to her I learned that this old skating rink was about to disappear. I immediately went there to see what is was about. I was so blown away I knew I had to make a film there. I said ok to doing the doc, but what I really wanted was to tell a story from my own past about being bullied on ice. Time was short, I contacted a local screenwriter, director and crew and we went to work! Two weeks later we had a script, stellar location and a whole bunch of actors and cameras. We built an ice rig, reserved the arena for two weekends and I was able to finish production and complete the documentary as well!
Director “Deb Pralle” Statement:
When I was in the 3rd grade I joined a softball team with my best friend Jennifer. Barely knowing what the sport was, my sweet dad bought me a used glove and bat, taught me to swing, and the importance of keeping my eye on the ball. He even volunteered to be assistant coach to Jennifer’s dad.
A truly amazing summer. Playing with my friends, running the bases, and getting ice cream after.
Until the head coach started acting like we were training for the World Series, he yelled when a grounder made it through our legs, threw his clipboard down if we struck out more than once a game, and most humiliating, berated his own daughter as she struggled to learn to pitch.
If my dad hadn’t been there to soften these outbursts and give us much-needed cheerleading, I may have never played again.
In 2020, 54% of kids ages 6-17 played some kind of organized sport. It’s in the fabric of our culture and for good reason. Working on a team towards a tangible goal is (should be) a positive experience for kids. But we all know that some parents and coaches take things so far that it borders on abusive.
When Derek and Kristen brought me Seward I knew we had an opportunity to shine a light on the profound damage that can be caused by parents/coaches who push kids so far, they suffer life-long trauma.
It’s a hero’s journey of sorts. The broken character of Seward finds healing and inspires all of to step up and demand that kid'’ sport should first and foremost be to PLAY. It should always be for the love of the game.