The debut is scheduled for 7 p.m., PST at the Lobero Theatre, California’s oldest continually operating theatre, in downtown Santa Barbara.
Centuries old and enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, golf is seen by many as more than a sport. Yet, not much is known about the other person walking with them – the man or woman behind the player carrying the bag. “Loopers” explores the deep and rich personal bond which a golfer and a caddie develop through their time together. A caddie’s involvement in the success of golfers, both recreationally and on professional tours, is a multi-faceted dynamic where the caddie must be a cheerleader, coach and course scout all at once.
Crafted in the spirit of documentaries like “20 Feet From Stardom” and “Step into Liquid,” the film is a must-watch for documentary film lovers, avid golfers and anyone interested in the history of sports. The storyline reaches back more than a century to explore how caddies came to be in Scotland and Ireland and then migrated to the United States and went from a disrespected craft into a well-respected occupation.
“Loopers” is directed by Southern California filmmaker Jason Baffa, who has directed successful independent films on the global surfing sub-culture, including “Bella Vita,” “One California Day” and “Singlefin: Yellow.” Baffa’s first film on golf harkens back to his days growing up when he played golf with his father and uncle.
“This project has reconnected me with a special time in my life and I feel inspired to tell this unique and relatively unknown story of the caddie,” Baffa said. “I grew up playing golf with my dad and his brother. I have great memories of walking 18 early on a Sunday so we could get home and watch Nicklaus, Faldo or Crenshaw finish.
Screening Location: Lobero Theatre, 33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, Calif.