The Lives of Mecca

Steffano Etter
Italien, Schweiz 2015 | 54 Min. | OmU
Fr, 26.05.2017 23:45
» Trailer

This is therapy. This is the Mecca.” On Coney Island there is a court where a group of men comes together every single day: American Handball is their sport and passion. Others just come for watching, betting and crossword puzzles. At first glance they are social outcasts gathering here. Filmmaker Stefano Etter found ex-prisoner Tom, drifter Patrick and Crazy Johnny among them. Alternately they tell their stories about living in problematic areas, where violence, drugs and solidarity play a major role in everyday life. For them, handball doesn’t just mean leisure time. The court becomes the center of their lives and the support they need to cope with their problems.