From the first-ever NBA game held on African soil to the streets of Zimbabwe, this film explores the dreams of young players and a nonprofit that uses basketball as an incredible force of good. Get on the court to witness the game's impact on society and the development of the sport in Africa.
From the first-ever NBA game held on African soil to the streets of Zimbabwe, this film explores the dreams of young players and a nonprofit that uses basketball as an incredible force of good. Get on the court to witness the game's impact on society and the development of the sport in Africa.
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Story
About The Project
This story has always been meant to be told. In 2013, after an incredibly powerful three months volunteering with basketball nonprofit Hoops 4 Hope in Zimbabwe, I boarded my South African Airways flight home. On a chance encounter, I was seated next to Dan Hedges, a documentary filmmaker whom I had never met that also happened to call North Carolina home. After the 16-hour flight, Dan and I made a vow that we would one day return to Africa to bring my stories to life for viewers everywhere, creating a platform to spotlight the influential work that organizations like Hoops 4 Hope provides for so many children every day. Two years later, we journeyed back together to where the idea for this film was born.
HOOPS AFRICA: UBUNTU MATTERS is a documentary spotlighting basketball's impact on society and the development of the sport on the African continent. The film starts off in Harare, Zimbabwe, focusing on the journey of 16-year-old basketball player, Watida, who was raised participating in Hoops 4 Hope, a nonprofit organization that uses basketball to teach life skills to children growing up in the city’s high-density neighborhoods. After being named a Basketball Without Borders participant, Watida then travels to Johannesburg, South Africa, to Basketball Without Borders, a clinic for the most talented basketball players in Africa. The film then covers the action surrounding the NBA’s Africa Game, which is the first time the NBA played a game on African soil. This storyline also examines how basketball has the power to transcend continents through the story of the Boston Celtics, who rallied around the African philosophy of Ubuntu to overcome adversity on their way to winning the 2008 NBA championship. HOOPS AFRICA explores the dreams of young Zimbabwean youth and how basketball can be an incredible force of good. Through interviews with young Zimbabweans, prominent NBA players and legendary coaches, HOOPS AFRICA demonstrates that the game of basketball can literally change lives across the world.
Incentives
$10
Social Media Shoutout
If we see you in person, we'll definitely give you a hug. Until then, expect a tweet from us expressing our immense appreciation for your contribution.
$25
Handwritten Thank You Note
Your support means a lot. If you give us your mailing address, we'd love to send you a hand-written, customized Hoops Africa postcard that expresses just how thankful we are.
$50
5x7 Original Print
In exchange for your contribution, take home a piece of our journeys through Africa with a 5x7 print of your choice of photographs taken by our cinematographer Dan Hedges. Head over to the "Media" section to choose your favorite image.
$50
Signed Hoops Africa Movie Poster
We'll send you an original Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters movie poster, signed by filmmakers Taylor and Dan.
$50
Limited Edition Hoops Africa T-Shirt
Do you like the design found in our cover art on our page? Expect a t-shirt that incorprates this look to be made this summer and be the first to have one.
$100
8x10 Original Print
In exchange for your contribution, take home a piece of our journeys through Africa with a 8x10 print of your choice of photographs taken by our cinematographer Dan Hedges. Head over to the "Media" section to choose your favorite image.
$100
Director's Cut & Special Thanks in Credits
As the documentary is nearing completion, we'll send you the director's cut in order for you to be the first to watch and one of the last to give feedback. We greatly value the opinions of our viewers, and will give you a special thanks in our credits for contributing.
$150
Bronze Ubuntu Bundle
Did you just scroll through our incentives list and want a bit of everything? If so, we've got you covered. The Bronze Ubuntu Bundle gets you every incentive listed below:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Handwritten Thank You Note / Postcard
- 5x7 Original Print
- Signed Hoops Africa Movie Poster
$200
Antawn Jamison Autographed Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from UNC legend NBA superstar Antawn Jamison. Add this pair of Autographed Adidas shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$200
Silver Ubuntu Bundle
Did you just scroll through our incentives list and want a bit of everything? If so, we've got you covered. The Silver Ubuntu Bundle gets you every incentive listed below:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Handwritten Thank You Note / Postcard
- 5x7 Original Print
- Signed Hoops Africa Movie Poster
- 8x10 Original Print
$225
Stephen Jackson Autographed Jordan Aeromania BHM Player Exclusive Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from former NBA star Stephen Jackson during his time with the San Antonio Spurs. Add this pair of Autographed Practice Worn Jordan Aeromania BHM Player Exclusive shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$250
Ty Lawson Game Worn Autographed Nike Lebron 8 Entourage
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from UNC legend and NBA player Ty Lawson. Add this pair of Game Worn Autographed Nike Lebron 8 Entourage shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Sold Out!
$250
Patrick Patterson Game Worn Autographed Nike BHM Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from Toronto Raptor Patrick Patterson. Add this pair of Game Worn Autographed 2015 Nike BHM shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Sold Out!
$250
Gold Ubuntu Bundle
Did you just scroll through our incentives list and want a bit of everything? If so, we've got you covered. The Gold Ubuntu Bundle gets you every incentive listed below:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Handwritten Thank You Note / Postcard
- 5x7 Original Print
- Signed Hoops Africa Movie Poster
- 8x10 Original Print
- Director's Cut & Special Thanks in Credits
$300
Bismack Biyombo Game Worn Autographed Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from Bismack Biyombo, who is featured in Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters. Add this pair of Game Worn & Autographed Jordan Super Fly 3 Hornet Player Exclusives shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Sold Out!
$450
Bradley Beal Game Worn Autographed Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from Bradley Beal, who is featured in Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters. Add this pair of Game Worn & Autographed Nike Hyperrev 2015 Player Exclusive shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$800
Carmelo Anthony Game Worn Autographed Jordan M11 Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from NBA superstar and New York Knick Carmelo Anthony. Add this pair of Game Worn Autographed Jordan M11 "Red Hook Sunset" shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Sold Out!
$1,000
NBA Game for 2 with Taylor and Dan!
Here's a fun idea... This level of contribution gets you an NBA night with Taylor and Dan in Charlotte! During the 2016-17 season, Taylor and Dan will take you to dinner and to a Charlotte Hornets basketball game. This includes 2 free tickets (to sit alongside Taylor and Dan) and free dinner.
Claimed: 0 of 1
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Social Media Shoutout
If we see you in person, we'll definitely give you a hug. Until then, expect a tweet from us expressing our immense appreciation for your contribution.
$25
Handwritten Thank You Note
Your support means a lot. If you give us your mailing address, we'd love to send you a hand-written, customized Hoops Africa postcard that expresses just how thankful we are.
$50
5x7 Original Print
In exchange for your contribution, take home a piece of our journeys through Africa with a 5x7 print of your choice of photographs taken by our cinematographer Dan Hedges. Head over to the "Media" section to choose your favorite image.
$50
Signed Hoops Africa Movie Poster
We'll send you an original Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters movie poster, signed by filmmakers Taylor and Dan.
$50
Limited Edition Hoops Africa T-Shirt
Do you like the design found in our cover art on our page? Expect a t-shirt that incorprates this look to be made this summer and be the first to have one.
$100
8x10 Original Print
In exchange for your contribution, take home a piece of our journeys through Africa with a 8x10 print of your choice of photographs taken by our cinematographer Dan Hedges. Head over to the "Media" section to choose your favorite image.
$100
Director's Cut & Special Thanks in Credits
As the documentary is nearing completion, we'll send you the director's cut in order for you to be the first to watch and one of the last to give feedback. We greatly value the opinions of our viewers, and will give you a special thanks in our credits for contributing.
$150
Bronze Ubuntu Bundle
Did you just scroll through our incentives list and want a bit of everything? If so, we've got you covered. The Bronze Ubuntu Bundle gets you every incentive listed below:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Handwritten Thank You Note / Postcard
- 5x7 Original Print
- Signed Hoops Africa Movie Poster
$200
Antawn Jamison Autographed Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from UNC legend NBA superstar Antawn Jamison. Add this pair of Autographed Adidas shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$200
Silver Ubuntu Bundle
Did you just scroll through our incentives list and want a bit of everything? If so, we've got you covered. The Silver Ubuntu Bundle gets you every incentive listed below:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Handwritten Thank You Note / Postcard
- 5x7 Original Print
- Signed Hoops Africa Movie Poster
- 8x10 Original Print
$225
Stephen Jackson Autographed Jordan Aeromania BHM Player Exclusive Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from former NBA star Stephen Jackson during his time with the San Antonio Spurs. Add this pair of Autographed Practice Worn Jordan Aeromania BHM Player Exclusive shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$250
Ty Lawson Game Worn Autographed Nike Lebron 8 Entourage
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from UNC legend and NBA player Ty Lawson. Add this pair of Game Worn Autographed Nike Lebron 8 Entourage shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Sold Out!
$250
Patrick Patterson Game Worn Autographed Nike BHM Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from Toronto Raptor Patrick Patterson. Add this pair of Game Worn Autographed 2015 Nike BHM shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Sold Out!
$250
Gold Ubuntu Bundle
Did you just scroll through our incentives list and want a bit of everything? If so, we've got you covered. The Gold Ubuntu Bundle gets you every incentive listed below:
- Social Media Shoutout
- Handwritten Thank You Note / Postcard
- 5x7 Original Print
- Signed Hoops Africa Movie Poster
- 8x10 Original Print
- Director's Cut & Special Thanks in Credits
$300
Bismack Biyombo Game Worn Autographed Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from Bismack Biyombo, who is featured in Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters. Add this pair of Game Worn & Autographed Jordan Super Fly 3 Hornet Player Exclusives shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Sold Out!
$450
Bradley Beal Game Worn Autographed Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from Bradley Beal, who is featured in Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters. Add this pair of Game Worn & Autographed Nike Hyperrev 2015 Player Exclusive shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Claimed: 0 of 1
$800
Carmelo Anthony Game Worn Autographed Jordan M11 Shoes
Taylor was able to get a collection of Game Worn shoes from NBA players to be offered up as incentive items, including this pair from NBA superstar and New York Knick Carmelo Anthony. Add this pair of Game Worn Autographed Jordan M11 "Red Hook Sunset" shoes to your collection today while simultaneously supporting this film!
Sold Out!
$1,000
NBA Game for 2 with Taylor and Dan!
Here's a fun idea... This level of contribution gets you an NBA night with Taylor and Dan in Charlotte! During the 2016-17 season, Taylor and Dan will take you to dinner and to a Charlotte Hornets basketball game. This includes 2 free tickets (to sit alongside Taylor and Dan) and free dinner.
Claimed: 0 of 1
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Taylor Sharp, Producer
Taylor resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he studied the Philosophy and Business of Sport as a Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill and is the Producer of Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters. He has a wide variety of experience in the nonprofit, entrepreneurial, and sport industries. His endeavors often focus on how sport both affects and reflects society, and many of his projects originate at the intersection of philanthropy and sport. He has volunteered with Hoops 4 Hope in Zimbabwe, worked with some of the world’s most recognizable athletes at Tandem Sports + Entertainment, and spent time at the NBA League Offices working for the rapidly growing D-League. Taylor’s vision for this film stemmed from the relationships and experiences he has amassed over the years throughout the basketball world.
Dan Hedges, Director
Dan is a director, camera operator and producer with experience working on commercials, documentaries and narratives for the last 9 years. He has worked on documentary series' for the Discovery Channel, PBS, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, The United Way,, A&E and many other brands and networks. He directed his first feature length documentary, "Street Soccer: New York", and released it on Hulu and Amazon in late 2014 after screening at ArtsFest Film Festival and Bootleg Film Festival. Currently, he is working as Camera Operator on an ongoing documentary series for The United Way entitled "The Hero Effect". Dan resides in Asheville, North Carolina.
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