Fort Myers Film Festival CURVEBALLS Premiere
OPENING NIGHT – WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 at 7:00 PM
Feature Film: “Curveballs” by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker John Biffar
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
A powerful documentary about the Louisville Sluggers, the only amputee baseball team in America.
The world premiere of the documentary “Curveballs… Lessons In The Game Of Life” will take place on May 14 at 7 PM during the Fort Myers Film Festival, hosted at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. The film tells the inspirational story of the Louisville Slugger Warriors, the world’s only amputee baseball team, founded by Estero resident David Van Sleet, a prosthetics expert who has dedicated his career to supporting disabled veterans. Directed by nine-time Emmy Award winner John Biffar, the documentary features powerful stories of resilience, including veterans who lost limbs in combat, and civilians like Luke Brittian, who lost a hand in a lawnmower accident, and Derek Holcom, accidentally shot by a hunter. Despite their challenges, the team regularly competes—and often wins—against able-bodied players. The Warriors are coached by former Major League athletes, including head coach Curtis Pride, who played 11 seasons in the MLB while deaf and recently released his memoir “I Felt The Cheers.” Also featured is legendary pitcher Jim Abbott, who famously threw a no-hitter for the Yankees with one hand and continues to inspire a new generation of one-handed players. More than a baseball story, the film is a moving exploration of perseverance, hope, and the power of attitude and gratitude.
