Magic City Hustle is a captivating documentary that delves into the world of underground basketball in Atlanta. Directed by Jonathon Zelenak, this film offers a raw and eye-opening exploration of the struggles and dreams of young athletes who navigate the challenging inner-city streets in pursuit of their basketball dreams. The documentary follows the journey of a talented basketball team called the "Atlanta Celtics." Comprised of determined young men, these players dream of breaking through the barriers of poverty and violence to reach the pinnacle of success in the sport they love. As they showcase their skills on the court, they also face numerous obstacles off the court, including financial hardships and the constant threat of violence. Through captivating interviews and gripping game footage, the film highlights the realities of life in Atlanta's inner city and the impact it has on these aspiring athletes.
Victor Manuel Ramirez
The working poor who are working their butts off but cannot cover just the basics in life because of cost of living, rent, groceries, transportation to and from work and school. Billy Corben s newest documentary Magic City Hustle will premiere at Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
Through captivating interviews and gripping game footage, the film highlights the realities of life in Atlanta's inner city and the impact it has on these aspiring athletes. Magic City Hustle reveals the harsh truth that basketball is not just a game for these individuals; it is a means of survival and escape from the hardships of their environment. The documentary also sheds light on the key figures within Atlanta's underground basketball world.
New 'Magic City Hustle' Documentary Brings Jai Alai Back To Life
Billy Corben's newest documentary "Magic City Hustle" will premiere at Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
Magic City Hustle / Courtesy 2 of 8Billy Corben's newest documentary "Magic City Hustle" will premiere at Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
Magic City Hustle / Courtesy 3 of 8Billy Corben's newest documentary "Magic City Hustle" will premiere at Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
Magic City Hustle / Courtesy 4 of 8Billy Corben's newest documentary "Magic City Hustle" will premiere at Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
Magic City Hustle / Courtesy 5 of 8Billy Corben's newest documentary "Magic City Hustle" will premiere at Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
Magic City Hustle / Courtesy 6 of 8Billy Corben's newest documentary "Magic City Hustle" will premiere at Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
Magic City Hustle / Courtesy 7 of 8Billy Corben's newest documentary "Magic City Hustle" will premiere at Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
Magic City Hustle / Courtesy 8 of 8Billy Corben's newest documentary "Magic City Hustle" will premiere at Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
Magic City Hustle / CourtesyA new documetary centers around the largely forgotten sport of Jai Alai, whose history is tied to the Miami of the 1980s. At that time thousands would fill arenas to watch players use cestas to launch balls at over 100 miles per hour, making Jai Alai known as one of the fastest sports around. Today, arenas in Miami struggle to sell tickets and the game is viewed as "a dying sport."
The documentary “Magic City Hustle” evolved out of an idea to bring together former University of Miami athletes, from sports like football, baseball and track, and turn them into Jai Alai players. The film was directed and written by Miami filmmaker Billy Corben of Rakontur Films, also behind The U, The U Part 2,and Cocaine Cowboys. Corben spoke to Sundial about the lost sport and the documentary.
The film will premiere Saturday, March 2, at the Miami Dade College’s Tower Theater as part of the Miami International Film Festival.
This has been edited lightly for clarity.
WLRN: It's about former U.M. athletes -- football players, baseball players -- becoming Jai Alai players? Where did that come from?
Corben: As I recall I first read about it in the Miami Herald who had covered it very early in 2018. Then I was talking to a friend who works at the casino who said: 'Did you hear about this? And are you interested in meeting the guys?' I said yes but I didn't know if it would make a very good documentary to tell you the truth. I came in and met the players and started watching them at North Miami Amateur Jai Alai where they were training, some of them world class athletes. Some of them went on to play professionally in baseball, football track and field. they had never played Jai Alai before. On July 1, 2018, ready or not they became professional Jai Alai players.
Whose idea was this, to bring former U.S. athletes together to make them into Jai Alai players?
My understanding is it was the CEO at Magic City Casino (which growing up we all knew as the Flagler Greyhound track), Scott Savin. He thought: we've given a lot of money to the school (University of Miami) so why don't we try to do something for the former athletes?
Credit Magic City Hustle / Courtesy CourtesyHow much of it was to help the former athletes and how much of it was [to] get some former local celebrities and jackpot?
I think there were a lot of reasons why they were doing it. Listen, the main reason the movie's called Magic City Hustle is because this thing's a hustle for everybody. Make no mistake. It's not just the players, it's the owners of the casino, it's the denizens of the casino who come in there to try to get a jackpot every day. And it's wild because it's a local casino, which is a funny scene because it's like the people there are not tourists. All the abuelos and abuelitas all convene there and it's like Calle Ocho in a casino.
Hustle. that word has really so many layers in this movie. I really love how at the beginning we don't jump into Jai Alai. Instead we follow some of these guys' lives. They talk about the 'Miami hustle.' Why?
Well just a few weeks ago, theUnited Way released its study that showed that 60 percent of Miami-Dade County residents cannot make ends meet. At least 19 percent living in poverty. The working poor who are working their butts off but cannot cover just the basics in life because of cost of living, rent, groceries, transportation to and from work and school. so this is a sneak preview I think of where the rest of the country is going.
And you know everybody calls it now the gig economy. You know we call it the hustle economy here in Miami and this is the ultimate hustle town. No one can get by with just one job. You have these guys who had a series of side hustles. You know they're doing one, two, six things some of them and then all of a sudden they get this e-mail that says you can win up to $400,000, plus a salary, plus dental plus medical. And really it's not about Jai Alai. That's why it's called Magic City Hustle. Miami is a case study in the gig economy.
Our Lady of Fatima University
From coaches who serve as mentors and father figures to local legends who provide inspiration, these individuals play crucial roles in guiding and shaping the lives of these young athletes. Their dedication and passion for the sport is evident throughout the film. One of the most compelling aspects of Magic City Hustle is its honest portrayal of the sacrifices the players make in pursuit of their dreams. While many dream of playing in the NBA, the reality is that only a select few will have that opportunity. Nonetheless, these athletes continue to push themselves, hoping to secure a college scholarship or a chance to play professionally overseas. The film captures the intensity and competitiveness of the games played in underground gyms throughout Atlanta. The basketball scenes are filled with fast-paced action, showcasing the skills and dedication of the players. These scenes are complemented by a powerful soundtrack that further immerses viewers into the world of Magic City Hustle. Ultimately, Magic City Hustle is a must-watch documentary that highlights the resilience, determination, and passion of young athletes pursuing their dreams. It sheds light on the challenges they face and the sacrifices they make, highlighting the transformative power of sports in their lives. This film serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be chased and achieved through hard work and unwavering dedication..
Reviews for "The Rise of the Digital Hustler: How Technology Has Changed the Game in Magic City"
1. Jane - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Magic City Hustle". The storyline was predictable and the acting was subpar. I felt like I've seen this type of movie a thousand times before, with no originality or fresh ideas. The pacing was also off, with the movie dragging in some parts and rushing through others. Overall, I found it to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to others.
2. Matt - 2 stars - "Magic City Hustle" failed to capture my attention. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to root for anyone. The dialogue also felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the story. Additionally, the editing seemed choppy at times, making the movie feel disjointed. Overall, I was bored throughout most of the film and found it to be a forgettable experience.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic City Hustle" but was ultimately let down. The plot was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow along. The movie seemed to rely heavily on clichés and stereotypes, which was disappointing. The pacing was also inconsistent, with the movie dragging in some parts and rushing through others. Overall, I thought it lacked originality and depth, failing to deliver an engaging and enjoyable viewing experience.