Ping Pong (2012)

Ping Pong: Directed by Anson Hartford, Hugh Hartford. 8 players with 703 years between them compete in the World over 80s Table Tennis Championships in Inner Mongolia. Terry (81) having been given a week to live, gets in sight of winning gold. Inge (89) has used table tennis to train her way out of the dementia ward she committed herself to. Australian legend Dorothy deLow is 100, and finds herself a mega celebrity in this rarefied world and Texan Lisa Modlich, a new-comer at 85 years old, is determined to do whatever it takes to win her first gold. This film is as much about the tenacity of the human spirit as it is a meditation on mortality.

“Just been to see this at a packed special screening where the directors were present for a Qu0026amp;A. A touching and humorously compelling glimpse into the world of octogenarian table tennis. Brilliantly edited, combining just the right amount of back story of 8 protagonists from around the world including two lovely old gents from the UK, together with footage from the World Championships which were held in China in 2010. Believe you me, the emotions aroused were similar to watching Team GB live at the London Olympics. Nearly forgot to mention that it also has a great soundtrack.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis film will sadly only get limited screening in cinemas but I believe it will be shown on Channel 4 later this year. Miss it at your peril – itu0026#39;s outstanding and is one of my favourite films of 2012 so far.”