The Dream of Going Pro

This film explores the balancing act between the pressure to perform and the coming-of-age experience. We accompany emerging talent and their parents, and speak with sponsors and competitors. Why does a young person strive to make a career out of a hobby? Can they take the pressure? Is there a Plan B, or are they putting all their eggs in one basket? To show weakness, to have doubts, to voice concerns – in their disciplines, none of that is acceptable. Casual get-togethers with friends, getting to know a first love, initial conflicts with parents: for them, none of these things are on the agenda. Young up-and-coming talent experience a different puberty, a different youth, they grow up “another way.” They must responsible, consistently professional, never lose sight of the goal – if they fail, all of their sacrifices will be in vain. But throughout the film, the viewer also shares in the highpoints, those ecstatic moments of sheer delight when the goal seems within reach. But these young people have bad days as well, and it is these that make the documentary authentic and approachable. With so much pressure to perform and succeed, what are the dark sides, the negative aspects of such a life choice? By speaking with supporters, trainers, teachers, parents, and friends, we seek to bring the world of these protagonists to life, making it fully three-dimensional.

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