Davy Rothbart seeks funding for documentary film project

By Jenn McKee Entertainment Reporter

Posted on Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 10:27 a.m.

Ann Arbor's Davy Rothbart—"This American Life" contributor and Found Magazine founder—is now putting together a documentary film with fellow Michigan native Andrew Cohn called "Medora," and a Kickstarter fundraising campaign is underway to cover the costs of post-production.

"Medora" follows the down-but-not-out Medora Hornets basketball team, capturing the players’ stories both on and off the court. It is an in-depth, deeply personal look at life in small town America; a thrilling, underdog basketball story; and an inspiring tale of a community refusing to give up hope despite the brutal odds stacked against them. On a grander scale, it’s a film about America, and the thousands of small towns across the country facing the same fight. As one townsperson told us, “Once we lose these small towns, we can't get them back."

Stanley Tucci and Steve Buscemi are the film's executive producers. Here's a promotional trailer, featuring clips and Rothbart's take on the filmmakers' vision.