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‘Ballin Out’ director Michiel Thomas forges groundbreaking LGBTQ-athlete docuseries
Director Michiel Thomas crafted an hourlong online video series that captures LGBTQ disabled athletes in a light never before seen. The post ‘Ballin Out’ director Michiel Thomas forges groundbreaking LGBTQ-athlete docuseries appeared first on Outsports.
Basketball has always been my passion, my outlet, my most comfortable way to connect with friends and communities around the world.
After coming out as gay in my early 20s, my passion for basketball only grew. I found a community in gay basketball leagues — Lambda Basketball here in Southern California — and the National Gay Basketball Assn. tournaments across the country.
In the early years of my filmmaking career, I felt a calling to capture stories of LGBTQ+ athletes, which resulted in making my first-ever feature documentary, “Game Face.” This experience fueled my drive to tell underrepresented stories from all walks of life around the globe. I’ve been blessed to have shared some incredible life journeys throughout my line of work.
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When Cyd Zeigler from Outsports asked me in the spring of 2022 to come on board for a project on wheelchair basketball, I instantly knew it was a perfect match. Our goal was to create excitement about adaptive sports and to celebrate these women for who they are, not despite who they are.
As I met some of the other people who would be shepherding the project — particularly Joel Chiodi and Eric Korsch from Scout Productions — natural synergies developed. Everyone seemed to have a similar vision of how to tell stories like this. One key element was to have an open mindset by listening to the women who would be allowing us into their lives in vulnerable ways.
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Groundbreaking new series ‘Ballin’ Out’ showcases LGBTQ athletes and coaches on USA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team
Outsports presents a unique video series, ‘Ballin’ Out,’ showcasing the lives of LGBTQ athletes and coaches for USA Wheelchair Basketball.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by remarkable creative talent on this two-year ride. My editing partner-in-crime Niq Lewis (“Gemmel & Tim”), and Co-DP Haley Watson (“Motorcycle Mary” for “30 for 30” ESPN), are two powerhouses in the documentary field.
Last but not least, I would like to thank all the players, coaches, staff at Team USA, the USOPC, NWBA and IWBF for trusting us to tell these important stories.
Part of what makes me most proud about our finished product is the voice these women had in the telling of their own stories. They taught me so much, far beyond the sport of wheelchair basketball.
They welcomed me into their homes, introduced me to their partners, friends and family. They took the time to sit down for hours-long interviews where they didn’t leave any stone unturned about their lives. I’ll be forever indebted to them for trusting me the way they did.
I’m super-stoked to release this series on the eve of the 2024 Paralympics in Paris and hope this project will spark viewers to root for Team USA’s quest for gold in Paris!
The post ‘Ballin Out’ director Michiel Thomas forges groundbreaking LGBTQ-athlete docuseries appeared first on Outsports.
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