Let's face it - we live in a country where the sport we love most is largely ignored by Hollywood, while lousy baseball and football movies are produced by the dozen. This outstanding film, based on a true story, deserves a much wider audience. DeMerit's story of perseverance despite long odds is also a perfect American tale, and one that sports fans here in the States should appreciate, regardless of their soccer knowledge.
We would like to strongly encourage all our readers to back the film by visiting its dedicated Kickstarter page and making a donation to help the production team obtain the necessary licensing rights for footage, finish the editing and mastering process and market the project. Whatever you can pledge - from as little as a dollar up to $5,000 or more - will being Rise and Shine that much closer to completion. The deadline to reach the pledge goal of $215,000 is Monday, July 18.
You can view a clip from the film by visiting the link above. There are also thank you gifts available at various pledge levels, including DVDs, signed shirts and even a signed pair of Jay's cleats.
Get in there!
