Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films have acquired the worldwide rights to “Tracktown,” the feature film debut for Alexi Pappas (“Speed Goggles,” “Tall as the Baobab Tree”) and Jeremy Teicher (“Speed Goggles,” “Tall as the Baobab Tree”), who co-wrote and co-directed the coming-of-age dramatic comedy. The film, which had its world premiere at the 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival, stars Pappas, Chase Offerle (“Thumbsucker”), with Rachel Dratch (“Saturday Night Live”) and Andy Buckley (“Bridesmaids”). “Tracktown” will be released in select theaters, and On Demand nationwide May 12th.
“Tracktown” follows famed, but lonely distance runner Plumb Marigold (Pappas), as she prepares for the biggest race of her life: the Olympic Trials. Temporarily sidelined by an injury, Plumb wanders into a bakery and catches the eye of an aimless boy (Offerle) working behind the counter.
“Tracktown” features several real-life Olympic athletes, including Pappas, who is an Olympic distance runner and Greek national record holder.
“When I saw the film, I was captured by the unique blend of athletics and storytelling,” says Peter Goldwyn, President of Samuel Goldwyn Films. “Alexi’s knowledge of the running world, along with co-director Jeremy’s keen eye towards filmmaking, brings a freshness to the film that I enjoyed. It’s important to support a female coming of age story that connects with the audience.”
“’Tracktown’ draws from my experiences and observations as an Olympic athlete. I’m very excited to tell this story about elite athletics from the female point-of-view,” said Pappas.
Teicher continues, “Filming on location using actual Olympic athletes as actors was an incredible experience, and the authenticity really comes across on screen. But to Alexi and me, the film is about more than just running, it’s about a young woman figuring out what she is willing to sacrifice to pursue her dreams.”
The film was produced by Laura Wagner, Pappas, Teicher, Jay Smith; executive produced by John Legere, Chris Bender, Jon and Terri Anderson, Cassandra Siegel, Stephen Siegel, Dan Giustina, Todd Remis and Robert Campbell. “Tracktown,” a BunkhouseFilm, is presented by Bay Bridge Productions and Jay Smith Productions in association with W+K Entertainment, Joint, Salem Street Entertainment and Good Wizard.
