Royal Oak Film Society Gets 'Wild In The Streets'

The Royal Oak Film Society will present the Michigan premiere of distinguished director Peter Baxter’s documentary “Wild In The Streets” at the Main Art Theatre in downtown Royal Oak on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. 

The film premiere will also be the official launch of the Royal Oak Film Society, a non-profit corporation whose mission is to enrich and promote Greater Detroit’s creative culture through film, conversation, and community. Baxter will be at the event to do a Q & A session after the premiere. 

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Think Detroit PAL, a non-profit organization providing athletic and leadership development programs for more than 10,000 children each year. 

TVS Communications is a major sponsor of the event.

About the film, “Wild In The Streets”

Every year, thousands of locals from rival sides of a rugged English town brutally compete in an ancient sports game that is the lifeblood of the community – and the origin of soccer, rugby, and football.

Synopsis: Toward the end of winter on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) and Ash Wednesday the people of Ashbourne gather in the center of their town to renew the longest running sports rivalry on earth. The game is called Shrovetide Football and originates from two medieval communities living opposite the river Henmore. Today, they are known as the Up’ards and Down’ards.  Each team consists of hundreds if not thousands of people. The field of play...the town itself. There is no referee and few rules. Each game begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.  The ball cannot be carried in motorized transport. Cemeteries, churchyards and memorials are out of bounds. Under no circumstances is manslaughter to be tolerated.  The object of the game is simple: Get a 4-pound ball to one of 2 goals that lay 3 miles apart. For the past 1000 years, Kings, Revolutions and Wars have tried to stop this ancient tradition. Against all odds, a passionate community has kept alive a meaning of life, not valued in pounds or dollars but in sportsmanship and friendship of the game. For the past 10 years the "posh" Up'ards have dominated every contest. As the "dirty" Down'ards prepare for revenge, both teams will have to fight an additional foe; modern society.

Sponsorship opportunities

Royal Oak Film Society is actively in search of corporate sponsors for this special event.  A number of opportunities are available ranging from $250 to $750.  Benefits may include name and/or logo recognition via the event website, social media, print advertising, and advertising at the event.

For more information on this event, please visit www.royaloakfilmsociety.org. 

Source: Royal Oak Film Society