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Screening this weekend at the Los Angeles Film Festival (June 16-26), Elevate is a documentary chronicling the journey of four young men from Senegal with dreams of entering the NBA.

A description for the film states “Recruited for both their physical and academic skills, Assane, Dethie, Byago and Aziz accept basketball scholarships to schools in the United States – and face the daunting challenges of alienation, a foreign language, American-style basketball and an unfamiliar American culture rife with African stereotypes. But with courage, humor, and remarkable resilience, they relentlessly pursue their dreams – to obtain an education and a shot at the NBA.“

The production was filmed over four years and was directed by Anne Buford. Below are clips from the film.

For ticket and schedule info, go HERE.

ELEVATE Byago Introduction from ELEVATE on Vimeo.

ELEVATE Assane Arrives in the US from ELEVATE on Vimeo.

ELEVATE Dethie and the Team from ELEVATE on Vimeo.