Lacrosse documentary 'Pride of a Nation' opens to strong reviews

Friday, May 26, 2017  

Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation has opened in select theaters.

The documentary explores the origins of lacrosse. The Iroquois or Haudenosaunee tribes developed the game hundreds of years ago and it's closely tied to their culture and spirituality.

“My grandfather played the game. His grandfather played the game. How far back do you want to go?” Oren Lyons, an elder and Faithkeeper says in the film, The Los Angeles Times reports. Reviewer Kenneth Turan said the documentary "provides the kind of window into another culture’s belief system that sports films rarely attempt."

After its theatrical run, the film will be available on certain on-demand platforms on June 20, the Associated Press reported.

Read More on the Story:
Lacrosse documentary debuts Friday in select theaters (AP 5/25)
'Spirit Game,' about the Iroquois roots of lacrosse, is no ordinary sports documentary (The Los Angeles Times 5/25)
Film Review: Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation (The Film Journal 5/26)

Doug George-Kanentiio: Lacrosse must be returned to rightful place at Olympics (August 16, 2016)
Ivan Star Comes Out: Tribes maintain long tradition with lacrosse (May 19, 2016)
Review: Mohawk lacrosse team featured in 'Keepers of the Game' (April 22, 2016)
Doug George-Kanentiio: Onondaga Nation brings honor to us all (October 1, 2015)
Doug George-Kanentiio: Iroquois Nationals score silver at games (September 28, 2015)
Doug George-Kanentiio: A historic opening for lacrosse games (September 24, 2015)
Doug George-Kanentiio: Onondaga Nation hosts lacrosse games (September 22, 2015)
Doug George-Kanentiio: In the golden era of Iroquois lacrosse (August 12, 2015)