TOP SHOT Short Film, 2023
written, directed, produced, edited
Summary: 11-year-old Alexander adjusts to life with his new Step-Dad, Ian, while navigating the aftermath of his parent's divorce and escaping into basketball daydreams.
genre: Drama, Family, Sports, Coming-of-Age
starring: Antonio Costanza (‘The Watcher’), Jonny Rios (‘Chambers’), Kumiko Konishi (‘Madam Secretary’), Geoffrey Pomeroy (‘Better Call Saul’) and Isaiah Wong (NBA Player for the Indiana Pacers)
Black and White / Run Time: 15 minutes / Aspect Ratio: 1:78 and 4:3
Supported by the Panavision New Filmmaker Program
this short also acts as a proof-of-concept for Alexander’s script of the feature-length version of ‘Top Shot’
Director’s Statement
"Top Shot" is a 15-minute short film that explores the complexities of divorce from a child's perspective. It is safe to say that the majority of films and TV shows that deal with the topic of divorce tend to focus on the divorce itself and the emotional turmoil that comes with it rather than the acceptance and growth that can come after it- especially from the child’s point of view. Thus, my aim with ‘Top Shot’ was to show that even amid a difficult situation, there can be hope, love, and positivity.
The film is inspired by my once-rocky relationship with my Stepdad after he moved into the house with my Mom and me. Making the short version of this story was a deeply therapeutic journey and… a much more expensive alternative to weekly therapy. Over the next few years, I have committed to bringing my feature-length script of ‘Top Shot’ to life.
"Top Shot" reflects my own experiences and emotions, an ode to my love for basketball and the city I'm from. I poured my heart and soul into it. I trust that the film will start a conversation about the need for more positive and uplifting stories about divorce and how it can shape a child's life. I hope that you enjoy the experience of watching it as much as I did making it.
Film Festival Selections:
PROOF Film Festival, October 2024
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, April 2024
St. Louis International Film Festival, November 2023 (Academy Award-Qualifying)
Press:
“'Oh my God, his dunks': How Isaiah Wong ended up playing a basketball star in a movie” - IndyStar, 7/12/23
“Director Alexander Hagani Wants to Bring Greenpoint Filmmakers Together” - Greenpointers, 3/22/23
“What to know about Indiana Pacers second-round draft pick Isaiah Wong” - IndyStar, 6/23/23
written, directed, produced and edited by Alexander Hagani / produced by Jonathan Burton, Marla Friedson, and Alexa Rockwell / director of photography Stefan Nachmann / production designer Lexx Onigbanjo / costume designer Jasmine Lewis / original score by Jackson Greenberg / featuring “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin
Shot on the Canon C500 MKII with TLS Canon K35 Lenses in Brooklyn and Queens, New York.
Top Shot - the Feature Script, Table Read
As the team gears up to make the feature version of ‘Top Shot,’ Alexander’s production company, NORTH130, will be hosting a private table read of the 100-page ‘Top Shot’ feature script.
In Early 2025, a private friends, family and industry table read will take place to workshop the script.
Feature summary: It's the Summer of 2007 and 11-year-old Alexander faces a turbulent transition as he grapples with his parents' recent divorce and life living with his new Step-Father. Amidst his personal turmoil, Alexander finds solace in his favorite basketball team, the New York Knights, as they make an improbable run to the NBA Finals. Desperate to reconnect with his father and go to an NBA Finals game with him, Alexander makes a choice that threatens to deepen his family rifts.