City Lax: An Urban Lacrosse Story, a feature-length documentary that tells the story of an inner city lacrosse team from Denver, will make its Mile-High debut on Aug. 7.
DU alumnus Erik Myhren (MA education ’03) founded the team, which is made up of 12-year-olds who learn the sport to escape their violent neighborhoods. The film was produced by Erik’s brother Tor Myhren and Gabriela Cowperthwaite.
The movie has won numerous accolades, including the jury prize for best documentary and the coveted audience award at the Sonoma International Film Festival. Since premiering at Sonoma, the movie has played in New York, San Francisco, Washington, Baltimore and at the AFI Silver Screening in Silver Spring, Md. City Lax was also shown on cable channel ESPNU four times over Memorial Day weekend and at the NCAA Lacrosse Final Four.
The film has received at least one glowing review from someone who knows a thing or two about lacrosse.
“The best sports movie, maybe the best overall movie I’ve ever seen,” says DU lacrosse coach Bill Tierney.
The film’s proceeds will help KNUW Seeds, a nonprofit benefiting disadvantaged Denver youth. KNUW Seeds services have been critical to the success of City Lax and other city youth services. Erik Myhren founded the nonprofit and serves as its executive director.
“The need for effective engagement and collaboration among community stake holders is extremely important within our Denver community,” says former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb. “KNUW Seeds has taken a unique stance in delivering these core competencies and has made significant strides in propelling our community forward.”
The screening will be 7 p.m. Aug. 7 at Denver’s Paramount Theater. For tickets, visit www.paramountdenver.com or call 303-623-0106 and select option 4 for the box office. Tickets also can be purchased through Dicks Sports, Pepsi Center, www.tickethorse.com and 1st Bank.
To view a trailer or purchase copies of the movie, visit www.citylaxthemovie.com.
For another story about the film, visit The Denver Post.