When it comes to sports documentaries, it doesn’t get much better than what filmmaker Steve James brings to the screen. Widely regarded for having directed 
the greatest documentary feature of all time (Hoop Dreams), James now takes on the growing concern of concussions in sports and the long-term effects they have on athletes in his new film. Head Games is inspired by the novel of the same name by former-football-player-turned-wrestler-turned-advocate, Christopher Nowinski. Given the timely subject matter and emotionally powerful trailer, one can expect this film to be in the discussion come Oscar time. It also doesn’t hurt that there are many people who have grown to love James’ Hoop Dreams, and members of the Academy may want to make up for the fact that they failed to even nominate that film in the Best Documentary Feature category. Head Games will be distributed in limited release this September.
Check out the trailer and the synopsis after the jump…
Head Games contrasts eye-opening evidence and cutting-edge science on head trauma from the nation’s leading medical experts with first-hand accounts from athletes, coaches, and parents who share their personal struggles in dealing with the devastating aftermath of these injuries, while treading the difficult balance between sports excellence and basic self-preservation. Fueled by a ‘leave everything on the field’ culture, the devastating and long-term effects of this silent epidemic are only recently becoming clear.
