Sports Lovers & Losers Gather at the Wilmette Theatre on October 7th & 8th to Celebrate Hockey and a Heartwarming Documentary on the Biggest Fans of an Underdog Team
Director Mary Wall (The Office/Parks & Recreation) in Attendance
September 13, 2022
​
Hockey fans from the city and the suburbs can gather to celebrate and share their sports fandom, enjoy a movie and conversation, and connect to their community right before the Chicago Blackhawks launch their 2022-23 season on October 12.
On October 7 & 8, The Wilmette Theatre is hosting two evening screenings of the documentary film The Fan Connection, a deeply personal fly-on-the-wall look at the lives of die-hard fans over a hockey season. Ultimately, it is a heart-warming story of what it means to be a fan of an underdog team, identifying with a city, and the power of ordinary citizens to affect change.
The Fan Connection brings home the sense of belonging, happiness and fulfillment that Chicago sports fans can really appreciate.
One die-hard Chicago Cubs fan who had previously seen the film called it, “heartwarming and fun for any sports fan.” They said they “found the film so relatable” because they connected with the people in the story and their struggles with a team that doesn’t always perform as well as you think they should. (https://www.imdb.com/review/rw6263887/?ref_=tt+urv)
Directed by Mary Wall (WGA-nominated writer for several webisodes of The Office and assistant to the Executive Producer of Parks & Recreation) and produced by Eric Wojtank (co-writer of the episode “Game Night” for ABC’s Speechless), the film shares the intimate, personal stories of six die-hard hockey fans who live out their lives in dedication to a team and city that has never won a championship.
In the Rust Belt city of Buffalo, NY, frustration is at an all-time high after decades of decline and broken promises. Not seeing a path to renewal for their city in the politicians or corporations who have let them down for decades, the beleaguered yet loyal citizens turn to their professional hockey team for relevance, not just for their city, but for themselves.
After following these six fans for four years, director Mary Wall said, “It’s easy to be loyal to and cheer for a winner but it’s something special to cheer for a team and a city that never wins. This story would only be as strong as the fans I found to be in the movie; an audience would only care about Buffalo and the Sabres if they cared about the people who did. Along with my producer and editor, we melded all the unique threads (city, Sabres, and personal) to tell a heartwarming story of persistence and resilience.”
Longtime sports fans and bar owners Michael Clarke (Pit &Tap in Wilmette) and Ben Cirincionne (Real Time Sports in Elk Grove Village) will attend and join in a panel discussion with The Fan Connection director Mary Wall on Saturday, October 8th.
Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8th at 7:00pm.
Wilmette Theatre (1122 Central Ave, Wilmette)
For tickets: https://www.wilmettetheatre.com/general-4
For more information on the film, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloSabresFanDocumentary
@Fan_Connection
# # #
Media Contact: Danielle Garnier
Garnier Public Relations
312-841-3500
​
The Fan Connection Makes Maryland Premiere at MDIFF
August 17, 2021
​
BUFFALO – The Fan Connection makes its Maryland premiere at the Maryland International Film Festival (MDIFF) in Hagerstown, MD Sat., Aug. 21st at 10:15AM (screening with shorts Augustus and Bit the Hand) at the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH). There will be an encore screening on Sun, Aug. 22nd at 2:10PM at the Black Box (screening with short, The Vow). Produced by Mary Wall and Eric Wojtanik, The Fan Connection is an intimate look at life in a proud Rust Belt city told through the lens of three die-hard hockey fans as they work to overcome life's challenges.
​
"Eric and I are thrilled to be part of MDIFF, and for their tenacity and patience in pulling off this in-person film festival through the challenges of COVID," said Mary Wall, making her directorial debut on The Fan Connection. "When deciding on film festivals, MDIFF stood out for its filmmaker friendly atmosphere, and when researching the history of Hagerstown, we felt audiences in Hagerstown would truly understand The Fan Connection. We can't wait to share it with the people of Hagerstown."
​
Festival passes (ranging from $30 to $80) are on sale through MDIFF's Film Freeway page, and single block (feature and accompanying shorts) tickets will be on sale at the door for $10.
​
Dates and TImes: Sat. Aug. 21st at 10:15AM (with Augustus and Bite the Hand) and Sun., Aug. 22nd at 2:10PM (with The Vow). Director Mary Wall will be in attendance for a Q&A following both screenings.
​
More information about The Fan Connection, including the press kit and production stills, can be found on the documentary's website. More information about the Maryland International Film Festival can be found on their website.
​
About The Fan Connection
In a forlorn Rust Belt city, cheering for the NHL team means cheering for the city itself. Through three intimate stories of die-hard hockey fans in a city struggling to overcome its past, The Fan Connection shows that with heart, grit, and hope people can rise above their expectations.
About the Maryland International Film Festival (MDIFF)
​
For nine years, we have been bringing in the finest films from around the world. The film festival became a 501(c)3 and launched in 2009 and now screens more than 100 films a year.
​
Contact: Mary Wall, Producer-Director, The Fan Connection
Phone: (716) 771-4607
Email: bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
​
The Fan Connection Michigan Premiere with Michigan Theater
February 17, 2021
​
BUFFALO – After winning the Audience Award at the 2019 Buffalo International Film Festival (BIFF) and moving audiences to laughter and tears in both Buffalo and Pittsburgh, The Fan Connection launches its Michigan run with Ann Arbor’s historic Michigan Theater Feb. 19-March 5. The Fan Connection is an intimate look at life in a Rust Belt city told through the lens of three die-hard hockey fans. Join the director, Mary Wall, and producer, Eric Wojtanik, for a virtual Q&A at 7:00PM on Mon., March 1.
“The history of the Michigan Theater is the history of Buffalo; they tell the story of how a community’s perseverance, vision, and loyalty, even in the face of decline, can bring hope and change. While I would have loved to experience this historic theater in person, I am very excited to engage with the audience during the Q&A,” said director Mary Wall.
“We’re excited to be able to bring the Michigan premiere of The Fan Connection to Ann Arbor and we hope that our ability to offer this film virtually will allow a wider reach for this heart-heavy story,” said Sarah Escalante, Director of Programming and Communications, Michigan Theater Foundation.
Tickets are $12 ($10 for members) and are on sale through Michigan Theater’s AgileLink VOD Platform.
Dates and Times: Watch the film virtually Feb. 19-Mar. 5; join the Q&A at 7:00PM EST on Mon., Mar. 1.
More information about The Fan Connection, including the press kit and production stills, can be found on the documentary's website. More information about the Michigan Theater can be found on the organization's website.
About The Fan Connection
In a forlorn Rust Belt city, cheering for the NHL team means cheering for the city itself. Through three intimate stories of die-hard hockey fans in a city struggling to overcome its past, The Fan Connection shows that with heart, grit, and hope people can rise above their expectations.
About the Michigan Theater Foundation
The Michigan Theater Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is joyfully serving community, history, public storytelling, and the arts through diverse year round programming at the Michigan Theater and State Theatre and the presentation of the annual Cinetopia Film Festival.
Contact: Mary Wall, Producer-Director, The Fan Connection
Phone: (716) 771-4607
Email: bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
The Fan Connection Virtual Premiere with Fredonia Opera House
January 25, 2021
BUFFALO – After winning the Audience Award at the 2019 Buffalo International Film Festival (BIFF) and moving audiences to laughter and tears in both Buffalo and Pittsburgh, The Fan Connection launches its virtual run with the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center Feb. 12-25. The Fan Connection is an intimate look at life in Buffalo told through the lens of three die-hard Sabres fans. Join the director, Mary Wall, and producer, Eric Wojtanik, for an opening night virtual Q&A at 8:45PM on Fri., Feb. 12, hosted by Rick Davis of the Opera House.
“The 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a cultural landmark in the Southern Tier. I am thrilled that they have added the Opera House Screening Room to their program line-up and have included The Fan Connection. I have missed the audience interaction at screenings and am very excited to engage with audiences during the Q&A,” said director Mary Wall.
Tickets are $12 and are on sale through the third-party event site, Show&Tell.
Dates and Times: Watch the film Feb. 12-25; join the Q&A at 8:45PM EST on Friday, Feb. 12.
More information about The Fan Connection, including the press kit and production stills, can be found on the documentary's website.
More information about the 1891 Fredonia Opera House's new Screening Room and a ticket link can be found on the organization's website.
About The Fan Connection
In a forlorn Rust Belt city, cheering for the NHL team means cheering for the city itself. Through three intimate stories of die-hard hockey fans in a city struggling to overcome its past, The Fan Connection shows that with heart, grit, and hope people can rise above their expectations.
​
Contact: Mary Wall, Producer-Director, The Fan Connection
Phone: (716) 771-4607
Email: bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
Rick Davis, Executive Director, 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Phone: (716) 679-0891
Email: rickdavis@fredopera.org
Patrick Kaleta to Attend Sabres Fan Documentary Screening at The Hamburg Palace
Buffalo, NY February 11, 2020 - Following its weeklong engagement at the North Park Theatre, The Fan Connection continues its theatrical run with an event screening at The Hamburg Palace on Sun., Feb. 23rd at 7PM. The evening includes a Q&A with the cast, director, and producer immediately following the screening. They will be joined by Buffalo Sabres alumnus Patrick Kaleta. Directed by Hamburg native, Mary Wall, The Fan Connection is an intimate look at life in Buffalo told through the lens of three die-hard Sabres fans with cameos from Sabres alumni and many Buffalonians.
“Mary and I are elated to have Mr. Kaleta attending. His passion for the community is a true representation of what it means to be a Buffalonian,” said producer Eric Wojtanik who grew up in Eden. Director Mary Wall added, “We are incredibly fortunate to have this all happen at another treasured western New York theatre, the Hamburg Palace.”
Tickets are on sale through the film’s website or in person at The Hamburg Palace.
More information about The Fan Connection, including the press kit and production stills, can be found on the documentary's website.
About The Fan Connection
In a forlorn Rust Belt city, cheering for the NHL team means cheering for the city itself. Through three intimate stories of die-hard hockey fans in a city struggling to overcome its past, The Fan Connection shows that with heart, grit, and hope people can rise above their expectations.
Contact: Mary Wall, Producer-Director,
The Fan Connection
Phone: (716) 771-4607
Email: bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
The Fan Connection Premieres in Pittsburgh at the Parkway Theater
Buffalo, NY February 5, 2020 - After winning the Audience Award at the 2019 Buffalo International Film Festival (BIFF), The Fan Connection launches its out-of-state run in Pittsburgh at the Parkway Theater Feb. 21-23. Directed by Carnegie Mellon University alumna, Mary Wall, The Fan Connection is an intimate look at life in a rust belt city told through the lens of three die-hard hockey fans.
“I cherish the time I lived in Pittsburgh, and am incredibly excited to return to share The Fan Connection with Pittsburgh audiences. While Pittsburghers and Buffalonians cheer for different teams, I believe Pittsburgh audiences will see themselves reflected in the stories of these characters (and may get to see a Penguins win),” said director Mary Wall.
Tickets are on sale through the Parkway Theater website or at the Parkway Theater.
Dates and Times:
Friday, February 21 7PM (director Mary Wall in attendance for a Q&A) and 9PM
Saturday, February 22 5PM (director Mary Wall and producer Eric Wojtanik in attendance for a Q&A) and 9:30PM
Sunday, February 23 4:30PM
More information about The Fan Connection, including the press kit and production stills, can be found on the documentary's website.
About The Fan Connection
In a forlorn Rust Belt city, cheering for the NHL team means cheering for the city itself. Through three intimate stories of die-hard hockey fans in a city struggling to overcome its past, The Fan Connection shows that with heart, grit, and hope people can rise above their expectations.
Contact: Mary Wall, Producer-Director,
The Fan Connection
Phone: (716) 771-4607
Email: bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
Sabres Fan Documentary Launches Theatrical Run in WNY
Buffalo, NY February 3, 2020 - After winning the Audience Award at the 2019 Buffalo International Film Festival (BIFF), The Fan Connection begins its theatrical run with a weeklong engagement at the North Park Theatre. Screenings are Feb. 7-13 at 2:00PM with an additional screening on Sat., Feb. 8th at 4:30PM that will be followed by a Q&A with the cast and director, Mary Wall. In addition, the Feb. 10th screening will be open captioned. Produced by Buffalo natives, Mary Wall and Eric Wojtanik, The Fan Connection is an intimate look at life in Buffalo told through the lens of three die-hard Sabres fans with cameos from Sabres alumni and many Buffalonians.
“Mary and I can’t think of a better place to kick off our theatrical distribution and are thrilled to share this story that has resonated with both fans and non-fans alike with more Buffalonians,” said producer Eric Wojtanik.
"Your heart will go out to these fans. It's a truly human and much needed document,” said Ken Kwapis, director of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and A Walk in the Woods.
Tickets are on sale through the North Park Theatre website or at the North Park Theatre.
More information about The Fan Connection, including the press kit and production stills, can be found on the documentary's website.
About The Fan Connection
In a forlorn Rust Belt city, cheering for the NHL team means cheering for the city itself. Through three intimate stories of die-hard hockey fans in a city struggling to overcome its past, The Fan Connection shows that with heart, grit, and hope people can rise above their expectations.
Contact: Mary Wall, Producer-Director,
The Fan Connection
Phone: (716) 771-4607
Email: bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
THE FAN CONNECTION SCORES WORLD PREMIERE AT FFOCOL 2019
Buffalo, NY Aug. 27, 2019 - Eight years in the making, The Fan Connection will have its world premiere as part of the Film Festival of Columbus (FFOCOL) on Thursday, Sept. 12th at noon at The Gateway Film Center. Produced by Mary Wall and Eric Wojtanik, The Fan Connection is an intimate look at life in a Rust Belt city told through the lens of three die-hard Sabres’ hockey fans as they work to overcome their own challenges.
​
“Eric and I are thrilled to be a part of FFOCOL,” said Mary Wall, making her directorial debut on The Fan Connection. “We are honored to be a part of such an incredible line-up of films, and to share our story with the great people of Columbus.”
​
Passes are now on sale through the FFOCOL website (http://www.filmfestivalofcbus.com/) for the screening on September 12th at noon, and the director, Mary Wall, will be in attendance at the screening.
​
More information about The Fan Connection, including the press kit and production stills, can be found on the documentary's website (https://www.fanconnectionmovie.com/).
​
About The Fan Connection
In a forlorn Rust Belt city, cheering for the NHL team means cheering for the city itself. Through three intimate stories of die-hard hockey fans in a city struggling to overcome its past, The Fan Connection shows that with heart, grit, and hope people can rise above their expectations.
​
Contact: Mary Wall, Producer-Director,
The Fan Connection
Phone: (716) 771-4607
Email: bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
SABRES FAN DOCUMENTARY SCORES BUFFALO PREMIERE AT BIFF 2019
Buffalo, NY July 29, 2019 - Eight years in the making, and with support from throughout western New York, The Fan Connection will make its New York premiere as part of the Buffalo International Film Festival (BIFF) on Sat., Oct. 12th at 1:15PM at the North Park Theatre. Produced by Buffalo natives Mary Wall and Eric Wojtanik, The Fan Connection is an intimate look at life in Buffalo told through the lens of three die-hard Sabres fans with cameos from Sabres alumni and many Buffalonians.
“Eric and I are thrilled to be a part of BIFF, and to share this documentary with our fellow Buffalonians,” said Mary Wall, making her directorial debut on The Fan Connection. “The Buffalo International Film Festival has a long history of bringing great independent films to Buffalo, and we are incredibly honored to be a part of this festival and to share this movie with the community that has supported it over so many years.”
Tickets will go on sale on September, 1st 2019 through the BIFF website or at the North Park Theatre for the screening on October, 12th 2019 at 1:15PM.
More information about The Fan Connection, including the press kit and production stills, can be found on the documentary's website.
About The Fan Connection
In a forlorn Rust Belt city, cheering for the NHL team means cheering for the city itself. Through three intimate stories of die-hard hockey fans in a city struggling to overcome its past, The Fan Connection shows that with heart, grit, and hope people can rise above their expectations.
Contact: Mary Wall, Producer-Director,
The Fan Connection
Phone: (716) 771-4607
Email: bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
Kickstarter campaign launches for Buffalo Sabres fan documentary, The Fan Connection, includes a party on Oct. 24th at the Hotel @ the Lafayette
October 19, 2015
​
Buffalo, NY - After four years of filming throughout Buffalo and western New York, local filmmakers Mary Wall and Eric Wojtanik have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise finishing funds for their documentary, The Fan Connection.
​
In its first nine days on Kickstarter, The Fan Connection has raised over $26,500 of their $96,500 goal. The project has been
named a Kickstarter Staff Pick and is featured on the list of popular film and video projects.
​
The people and businesses of Buffalo have been very gracious throughout filming. Continued support will ensure this inspiring
story of perseverance and hope is shared with the world. Buffalo can support this movie in any of the following ways;
​
-
Contribute to their Kickstarter page in any amount from $1 to $10,000. Name the school you want to receive the private screening in the comments section.
-
Attend their Kickstarter Party at the Pan-American Grill & Brewery at the Hotel @ the Lafayette on Sat., Oct. 24th from 5:30PM-11:30PM. There will be free food, special guests, raffles, and, hopefully, a Sabres win to celebrate.
-
Share the project and event with everyone you know. More information can be found on their website.
-
Follow the project on facebook and twitter.
About The Fan Connection
UT Buffalo Hockey Fan Documentary is committed to telling the story of Buffalo through its Sabres fans. In particular, the
documentary has followed 12 fans and their daily struggles and triumphs as they cheer for the Sabres and Buffalo.
Find out more information:
http://www.fanconnectionmovie.com
https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloSabresFanDocumentary
https://twitter.com/Fan_Connection
​
Contact: Director Mary Wall 716-771-4607; bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
Buffalo Sabres Fan Documentary Announces New Title, The Fan Connection
Buffalo, NY Jan. 4, 2015 - After many submissions from fans of this documentary and an open vote at our gala fundraiser in September, the official title of the Buffalo Sabres fan documentary is The Fan Connection.
“I was thrilled with the creativity and enthusiasm from all the title submissions that came in,” said Mary Wall, the documentary’s director. “We had a hard time picking our top five submissions and are glad the fans had the responsibility of picking the final title. The Fan Connection both beautifully calls to mind the history of the Sabres in Buffalo as well as the heart of this movie, the people, and how their fandom for both Buffalo and the Sabres binds them together.”
​
With an official title, we will be launching a website later this year.
​
About The Fan Connection
In a forlorn Rust Belt city, cheering for the NHL team means cheering for the city itself. Through three intimate stories of die-hard hockey fans in a city struggling to overcome its past, The Fan Connection shows that with heart, grit, and hope people can rise above their expectations.
​
Contact: Mary Wall, Producer-Director,
The Fan Connection
Phone: (716) 771-4607
Email: bflosabresdoc@gmail.com
CASTING FOR BUFFALO SABRES FAN DOCUMENTARY
Buffalo-native Mary Wall is currently casting for a documentary following the lives of Sabres fans as they invest in another hockey season. She is looking for a diverse cast to represent the city of Buffalo and its love for the Sabres.
OPEN CASTING SESSIONS WILL BE HELD
Wednesday, August 17th 2011 5:00PM-8:00PM
Spot Coffee
765 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
​
Thursday, August 18th 2011 5:00PM-8:00PM
Audubon Library
Community Meeting Room
350 John James Audubon Pkwy.
Amherst, NY 14228
​
Friday, August 19th 2011 5:00PM-8:00PM
The Comfort Zone Café
17 Main St.
Hamburg, NY 14075
​
Walk-ins are welcome, but you can e-mail bflosabresdoc@gmail.com to set an appointment, ask questions, or share stories.
​
If the Sabres play a personal role in your life, please come share your story with me. We want people who have woven the Sabres into their lives: when your child was born during the playoffs, when you served in Iraq, when you got over your first heartbreak (you know you fantasized about Ray beating him), when you beat cancer, when you moved to Buffalo – whatever your Sabres story is, please share it.