By John Corrado

The 2024 Hot Docs Film Festival runs from April 25th to May 5th in Toronto

At River Rouge High School in Michigan, the Panthers rule the basketball court, with fourteen state championships to their name. In his documentary Rouge, first time director Hamoody Jafaar offers a portrait of this school and community, but also a personal look at how high school basketball opens up opportunities for these kids that they wouldn’t otherwise have.

For students like Legend Geeter, who dreams of going to Michigan State like Michael Jordan, or Ahmoni Weston, who leaves at six in the morning to commute to the school with his family pouring what little they have into his basketball career, playing on the team represents a way to succeed in life. Through interviews with former coaches and players, including former player LaMonta Stone who has returned to coach the team, who reminisce about their time at the school, it becomes a nostalgic history lesson of the River Rouge community.

Even for those of us who don’t really follow high school basketball, Rouge delivers the moments of triumph and defeat that you expect from any sports movie. Through widescreen cinematography, and smooth editing that cuts between interviews, archival footage, and verite moments with the subjects, the film offers an engaging portrait of the school spirit that drives this team.

Film Rating: ★★★ (out of 4)

Rouge screens as part of the 2024 Hot Docs Film Festival, more information on tickets and showtimes can be found right here.