JAM, a Documentary Selected for the SF GLBT Film Festival, 'Outs' Gay Athletes

JAM, a Documentary Selected for the SF GLBT Film Festival, 'Outs' Gay Athletes

SAN FRANCISCO, June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The documentary JAM, shot over a seven year period (1998 to 2004) takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area and finds a rich underworld in the underdog sport of Roller Derby. Beneath the eccentric mayhem on the derby's banked track is a small subculture of gay men who remained closeted for their entire skating careers.

"When I skated, to be in a sport and be gay, just wasn't something anyone wanted any of the fans or TV audiences to know," said Tim Patten one of the skaters from the past who now presides over the American Roller Derby League and San Francisco's Bay City Bombers (http://www.baycitybombers.com/) since 1988.

"Starting in the 70s, I skated on professional teams for fourteen years and most of my fans were young boys age seven to fourteen," Tim explained. "I considered it a privilege to represent a positive role model and help skew their moral compass in the direction of things that are right in this world. We were paid athletes and expected to respect our audiences."

The documentary caught other shocking twists when Mark Woollen, the producer, is confronted with unimaginable troubles behind the raucous Roller Derby events. The back stage scenes depict more trauma than the bone crushing action on the track. After seven years, Mark Woollen's crew captured the skaters in their most vulnerable moments.

Frameline.org selected JAM, the documentary, to screen at the SF GLBT film festival on June 18, 2007, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are still available at Frameline.org under the festival listing JAM.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Bay City Bombers

CONTACT: Tim Patten of Bay City Bombers, +1-415-431-6802

Web site:

http://www.baycitybombers.com/
http://www.jamthemovie.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: The producers (http://www.Jamthemovie.com) and Tim Patten (http://www.BayCityBombers.com) are available for interview.

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