Ping Pong night
Yesterday evening’s screening of Hugh Hartford’s film Ping Pong at Watershed was so popular we moved it into the bigger cinema! A very enthusiastic audience – of all ages from 8 to over 80 – loved the film that was followed by a lively question and answer session with the director, hosted by David Goldblatt.
Ping Pong is a thoroughly engaging documentary profiling and following the progress of a handful of over 80 year-old contestants as the make their way to, and take part in, the World Table Tennis Championships in Inner Mongolia. Some real characters from around the world defy the stereotypes of ‘old people’ through their determination to overcome minor setbacks – like terminal illness, heart conditions, and being 100 years old – to travel to this far-flung event. Here they display a fine combination of strengths and foibles, mean streaks and vulnerablitlies, leaving the audience inspired and caring for this vibrant collection of humans.
Thoroughly inspired by the film, a large number of the audience rushed out into the bar after the screening and took part in some unusual variations of the game on a table supplied by Ping! Bristol, who also ran the games and kept the scores – and the peace! Prizes were won too! See some of the action in the Ping Pong Gallery.
Tags: David Goldblatt, film, Hugh Hartford, older people, sport, table tennis
This entry was posted
on Tue 10th Jul, 2012.
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