Higher Ground Acquires Telluride Short Doc “The Turnaround”

The documentary short film “The Turnaround,” helmed by Kyle Thrash and Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, has been acquired by Higher Ground, the production company led by Barack and Michelle Obama. The film, making its debut at the Telluride Film Festival, now lists the Obamas, along with Higher Ground’s Vinnie Malhotra and Ethan Lewis, as executive producers.

“The Turnaround” centers on Philadelphia Phillies’ superfan Jon McCann, whose passionate advocacy helped inspire an unexpected 2023 standing ovation for Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, turning the team’s fortunes around after facing significant challenges.

Among the three short films featured in Telluride’s main program, Kyle Thrash and Ben Proudfoot’s collaborative effort is highly anticipated. Proudfoot, a two-time Academy Award winner, clinched Oscars for his previous documentary shorts, “The Queen of Basketball” (2022) and “The Last Repair Shop” (2024).

Higher Ground, the Obamas’ production company, began in 2019 and swiftly formed a content development partnership with Netflix. A multiyear first-look deal for all film and television projects has recently been extended, signaling the robust creative synergy between Higher Ground and the streaming giant.

Premiering this Sunday at Telluride, “The Turnaround” investigates McCann’s journey. A dedicated Philadelphian, McCann wrestles with mental health challenges as he chronicles the Phillies on his YouTube channel, where he is known as “The Philly Captain.” When Trea Turner joined the Phillies with an 11-year, $300 million contract, he experienced a severe slump, leading to a wave of discontent among fans. It was McCann’s viral proposal for fans to give Turner a standing ovation that spurred a monumental 42,000-strong cheer, pivoting Turner’s and the team’s performance.

Malhotra, president of Higher Ground, shared his admiration, saying, “Growing up in the Philadelphia area and being a lifelong Phillies fan, I am amazed at how brilliantly Kyle and Ben captured the heart and soul of the city. ‘The Turnaround’ provides a unique and seldom-seen perspective that will become a baseball lore milestone, delving deep into the emotional core of mental health for both our players and the fans who rally behind them.”

Thrash and Proudfoot emphasized in a joint statement, “Jon’s experience is an American story of our times, reflecting choices on how we engage with the world’s challenges. Do you boo, or do you give all the love you can? Jon’s answer inspired us to create this film.”

Produced alongside Breakwater Studios’ Nicholas Ruff and Josh Rosenberg, “The Turnaround” boasts a talented crew. Dillon M. Hayes contributed to the editing, David Bolen handled the cinematography, and the original score was composed by Ari Balouzian. The documentary also enjoys the backing of Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios—a DICK’S Sporting Goods company—and Major League Baseball.

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