Matthew Krentz's experiences growing up in St. Louis and playing basketball at junior college led him to craft a fictional account of his experiences.
He wrote, directed and starred in Streetballers - the Philadelphia Daily News lauded his "chutzpah" - but he still couldn't get Hollywood to take note of the relatively low-budget Irish Urban drama.
"[Sometimes distributors] will not even watch the film," he said. "They'll just look at the length, and then they'll see who's on the cover of the box, which is a shame."
But thanks to the first annual U.S. Sports Film Festival (USSF) in Philadelphia, sports movie enthusiasts can now gain access to films outside of the mainstream.
The festival - the world's first dedicated solely to sports movies - was held from Oct. 23-26, also providing access to directors, athletes and actors. The 22 screenings varied from past blockbusters like Invincible and Miracle to more niche productions such as Pittsburgh Passion, a documentary about the eponymous team in the International Women's Football League.
USSF founder and president Stephan Hartman said that Philadelphia was chosen as the first host city because of its passionate sports fans and because of the support of Gov. Ed Rendell and Mayor Michael Nutter.
Major League Baseball Productions gave audiences a first look at its documentary We Are Young: A Baseball Family, which followed the family of former No. 4 and No. 1 draft picks Dmitri and Delmon Young.
In 2006, Dmitri, a two-time All-Star, battled substance abuse, depression and diabetes, only to be released by the Detroit Tigers less than two months before they reached the World Series.
Before this season, Delmon and his infamous temper were traded from the then-lowly Tampa Bay Rays to the Minnesota Twins, causing another Young brother to miss the Fall Classic because of poor timing.
Dmitri and his father Larry - the only father of two top-four picks in any of the four major U.S. sports - took part in a panel discussion after the film.
"Everything that I've done, Delmon has shadowed me," Dmitri Young said. "And this is no different . I think [Delmon's trade] worked out well for both teams."
With the Phillies on the verge of a historic World Series victory, the USSF had more than its fair share of competition for local sports fans' attention.
But within the next couple of days, a new chapter in Philly sports history will be written. And if art indeed imitates life, next year's festival may take on a whole new tone.
