Industry Information

CURAÇAO’S “BOYS OF SUMMER” DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES IN NEW YORK CITY "Film Tells Inspirational Story of Curaçao’s Little League Baseball Giants"

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – July 19, 2010 – Nothing says summertime like little league baseball. And nothing says little league baseball like Curaçao’s Little League Baseball All-Stars! The “Hidden Treasure of the Caribbean,” located between Aruba and Bonaire, the island of Curaçao is best known for its gorgeous blue waters and Blue Curaçao Liqueur, but perhaps should be just as famous for its little league baseball team!
The Curaçao Little League Baseball All-Stars have competed at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for an incredible nine consecutive years, including a World Championship win in 2004. 

“BOYS OF SUMMER,” is a new documentary film that seeks to unveil the mystery of Curaçao’s youth baseball success. Premiering at the 2010 HBO New York International Latino Film Festival in New York City on July 28, the film tells the unexpected and inspirational story of Curaçao’s award-winning little league baseball team from the summer of 2008.  The film was shot from May through September 2008. 

The boys face injuries and obstacles in an attempt to keep the winning streak alive and become World Champions.  With the help of manager Vernon Isabella, the youngest coach, at the ripe age of 21, to win the Little League World Championships in 2004, the team learns the meaning of national pride in a story that travels from a humble island ball field to the international spotlight and back. 

“BOYS OF SUMMER” was directed, shot and produced by Keith Aumont, who had the original idea for the film after multiple trips to Curaçao with his wife, writer Jennifer van der Kwast, who grew up on the island.

“I have been a baseball fanatic my entire life and thanks to marrying a Curaçao native, I had the chance to get a sense for the amazingly high level of play among the young Curaçao players,” remarked Keith Aumont, “BOYS OF SUMMER” director and producer. “So I decided to follow the team, all 11- and 12-year-old boys for a single season in the summer of 2008 to find out what keeps them coming back year after year.”

Aumont lived in Curaçao where he filmed all team practices and tournaments, and was a regular presence at the team members’ homes, churches, and community events. 

The Curaçao Tourist Board is the primary sponsor of the film, joined by other local businesses, including RBTT Bank, Curaçao Port Services, GIROBank, PricewaterhouseCoopers, MCB Bank, Insel Air and Maduro Travel. 

 “We are delighted to be a part of this extraordinary project which puts our young national heroes in the spotlight,” said Curaçao Tourist Board Director of Marketing Brenda Benjamin. “The Curaçao Little League All-Stars are a major source of national pride for Curaçao. These boys tell the success story of coming from a small island with limited resources, and using a big heart and determination to accomplish your dreams.”

“Curaçao is best known for our breathtaking beaches, exotic nightlife, culture and cuisine, but we are delighted to share with the world what makes us most special – our people,” added Benjamin.

“BOYS OF SUMMER” was produced by Ariana Garfinkel and New York’s Reno Productions of the award-winning documentary “TRUMBO” starring Michael Douglas. 

Feature appearances and interviews in the film include Major League Baseball pitcher Jair Jurrjens, Curaçao Prime Minister Emily Elhage, and well-known sports broadcasters Brent Musburger and Orestes Destrade. The film boasts an original film score composed by Jay Israelson, as well as songs by local Curaçao artists Macario Prudencia and Doble R, and international musicians Skitch Henderson and The Ruby Suns.

For more information on “BOYS OF SUMMER” visit www.boysofsummerfilm.com. For  show times and tickets please visit www.nylatinofilm.com.