Blackfilm.com correspondent Rougét Carter chats with Steven hoffner and Rayvon room In regards to THE CANNONS, a documentary film that follows the life of coach Neal Henderson and his team of young African-American hockey players in North America’s oldest minority hockey program, the Fort Dupont Hockey Cannons in Washington DC. This is the feature debut, directorial debut of Hoffner, who also shot and edited the film.
World premiere screening – Sunday, November 14, 1:30 p.m. @ IFC Center. The film is available online November 15-28. Tickets for in person and online are available here – https://www.docnyc.net/film/the-cannons/.
the cannons is a close look at the players, parents and coaches of this enduring team, whose inspired alumni and coaching staff include a Navy fighter pilot and a Congressional Chief of Staff. It hits two players in their senior year, best friends Robert and Rayvon. Robert intends to apply for a police cadet position. Rayvon, meanwhile, clings to the dream of playing college hockey (with the disappointing discovery that junior college hockey programs are in decline).
Based in one of America’s toughest neighborhoods, southeast of Washington DC, the Cannons’ young players are largely from financially struggling African-American families, playing the most expensive game in sports. North Americans.
“I am a white Canadian and being a part of the Cannons’ journey requires respect, due diligence and alignment with the black voices,” said director Hoffner. “Having worked in the National Hockey League for over a decade in video production, I was ripe with a fascination with the Cannons program. The disadvantaged black Americans who play what is traditionally known as the sport of a rich white man certainly struck a chord with my curiosity.
“What we learned after more than two years of filming; 70 days of principal photography and a year and a half of editing, it was more than a story. Coach Neal and the families in this film have truly become a part of our collective. We have seen tragedies and successes, ups and downs.
“Overall, we have formed new families throughout this experience and relationships that last a lifetime.”
The Cannons is directed and produced by Steven Hoffner, co-directed and produced by AJ Messier. Robert Ford and Robert Walker-Branchaud are executive producers. Produced by Kwame Damon-Mason. Partner Produced by Kevin Weekes.
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