Rider Pride

Rider Pride is a short film that is the collaborative effort of Writer/producer Craig Courtice and Director/Producer Tony Hrynchuk. It tells the hilarious story of Les, a fanatical Canadian football fan, who is called in to work the day of the 1989 Grey Cup, one of the only times that the Saskatchewan Roughriders have ever won. The film itself is well paced, with a wry sense of humour, and well acted by comedian Brett Butt and NYU acting teacher John Boylan. The film uses colours as a theme, including the green and white of the Rider team and the yellow and black of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to build atmosphere. Director Hrynchuk and Cinematographer Darryl Kesslar both have amazing eyes and ideas and this is reflected in the quality of the shots. Noteworthy is the fact that Rider Pride secured an unprecedented theatrical release through Alliance-Atlantis, opening for the feature "Men With Brooms in parts of Western Canada." If you get a chance, see this short comedy. 4 out of 5 Stars.

I saw the movie as a short that was played prior to Men With Brooms. The whole audience loved it. It got more laughs than the movie. Although Rider Pride is about something that is real in my life, I think everyone can relate to the frustration of having someone tell you about something that you have taped or are planning to see.

Growing up in Saskatchewan you are a born Rider fan. It doesn't matter if the team is 0-18-0 or 18-0-0, Saskatchewan fans are true to their team. This short video is a fabulous portrayal of one fan forced to work during the '89 Grey Cup. (The last time the Saskatchewan Riders were in the final). I laughed at the ever fabulous Brent Butt and completely empathized with his character. A must see for any dedicated sports fan.