PLAYING IN THE SHADOWS

Below the city, below the poverty line, the kids of Woolloomooloo become All Stars

A film by Sascha Ettinger Epstein and Marco Ianniello

A group of kids growing up in Wolloomooloo, a notorious public housing estate in the shadow of Sydney's famous skyline, find inspiration after dark when they form a basketball squad to compete in a citywide tournament for underprivileged youth.

"The suburb of Woolloomooloo nestled between Kings Cross and the city is home to one of Sydney's most notorious housing estates. The families of this area are generally broke and struggling. An after-dark basketball team is set up to get the kids of the 'Loo off the streets and to provide much-needed support. Eleven-year-old Jaidyn has been in and out of trouble at school and with the police. Celine is wonderfully fiesty despite a sick dad, no mum and many siblings. Jerry, six foot three with a big heart to match. No-one matches 15-year-old Ainsley in his determination to succeed both at school and basketball. Ianniello and Ettinger-Epstein's observational documentary shot over a year, is a thought-provoking and pleasurably up-beat look at this unique suburb and its young community." Jenny Neighbour - Program Manager, SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL

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