The Bozeman Doc Series continues Thursday, March 3rd, at 7pm at the Emerson Center, with the critically-acclaimed documentary The Ground We Won.

A study of manhood as viewed through the rites and rituals of a rural New Zealand rugby club, The Ground We Won has been hailed as “one of the truest representations of New Zealand character ever committed to film.” With great bawdiness and camaraderie, an eclectic rugby team of farmers strive to redeem themselves from a long run of bitter losses. In the face of the hefty demands of farming and fatherhood, the Saturday game becomes the focus of the men’s passions and the ground on which their worth is proved. With incredibly privileged access inside this sacred men’s zone, the film captures a fascinating season of traditions, debauchery and friendship, as the men reclaim their faith in themselves.

Employing an immersive, observational filmmaking approach, husband and wife filmmakers Miriam Smith & Chris Pryor lived in the town of Reporoa for one year to shoot The Ground We Won. Throughout the lengthy filming process, nothing was ever scripted or constructed – ensuring that every moment captured in the film is breathtakingly authentic, real-life gold.

The Ground We Won has screened at festivals around the world, receiving rave reviews along the way.

“The Ground We Won is a startling, ferociously intelligent, disturbing, heart-warming and hauntingly beautiful piece of film making…5 stars.” Graeme Tuckett, Dominion Post

“It’s an instant classic that will resonate with audiences long after the final frame has rolled, and will stay with them for the rest of their lives…Moving, funny, at times heart wrenching and pulse pounding as the team rush towards a final try, The Ground We Won is a marvelous cinematic experience.” – Samuel Hames, Spicy Pulp

Learn more about The Ground We Won at the film’s official website.

The Bozeman Doc Series will continue with one screening every other Thursday through April. Tickets are available at the door or before the show at Cactus Records and Movie Lovers. Tickets are also available online here.