The Cape Cod premiere of the big-hearted story about a larger-than-life kid from England and the Massachusetts town that took him in…
The inspirational and moving documentary
film about Neil Fingleton, among the
world’s tallest human beings,
a basketball star, and a towering actor
Hyannis Film Festival presents the Cape Cod premiere of the 2023 documentary film Big Smooth— a movie with special appeal to those who love high school and college basketball, and stories about young people who embrace their unusual physical abilities.
Moviegoers will find great inspiration in Big Smooth, a vivid biographical account of Neil Fingleton, an English teen who grew to be 7’7.5” tall and was recognized as one of the world’s tallest human beings. His story is one of courage, resilience, and the power of following one’s dreams in unfamiliar surroundings.
Because of his height, Fingleton was presumably bound for glory on the basketball court, despite his youthful awkwardness and lack of skills. In 1997, at the age of 16, he moved to the U.S. for basketball camp and high school, developing fundamentals of the game at Holy Name Catholic High School in Worcester, Mass. Fingleton also played in national high school exhibition games, getting him wide media attention, then played at the University of North Carolina and back in Worcester at Holy Cross. A stint in professional b-ball followed, but injuries sidelined him from the sport he grew to love. Along the way, Fingleton found loving American friends and supporters who uplifted him.
After basketball, Fingleton turned to acting in film and television, where he won acclaim for playing characters of exceptional stature, including three seasons as Mag the Giant in the TV series Game of Thrones and in the movie 47 Ronin, starring Keanu Reeves. In early 2017, Fingleton developed complications from surgery and died at age 36.
British Director Paul Stainthorpe was moved by the inspirational, multi-layered stories surrounding the young player’s life. The City of Worcester emerged as a big part of the account, with Fingleton galvanizing their passion and generosity. His appearances on the court drew remarkably large crowds in what became his second hometown.
Doors open at 6 pm for socializing,
a cash bar, then the film showing at 7 pm.
Tickets for $15 are now on eventbrite.com.
With director Paul Stainthorpe in person
to introduce the film and for a Q&A after.