Double J Art Ranch to screen six-man football documentary

<b>By Libby Cluett</b><br><a href="mailto:lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com">lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com</a>

Art meets the gridiron this weekend at the Double J Art Ranch’s Misfit Thanksgiving. Between the two, there is sure to be something to pique local interest, including a film titled “6.”

While the mighty Strawn Greyhounds meet rivals Richland Springs in Early, Texas, Friday night, folks around here can lean back and watch them play their 2008 state championship game in Jeff Bednarz’s new short documentary film “6.”

Bednarz lives mostly in Dallas where he runs the company Directorz, making mostly commercials, documentaries and films. But the Palo Pinto County resident also owns Lucky Cross Ranch on Dog Bend of the Brazos River, once part of the historic Seybold Ranch. He said he played football as a youth and knows the feeling of gridiron seniors suiting up for perhaps the last time in their lives for what is their biggest moment other than their birth.

He picked up on the story as Strawn and other teams edged toward state, and followed up interviewing Greyhound players and coaches three months afterwards.

Bednarz calls the 25-minute documentary “a nice little film. The whole theory behind it is to let the town and community tell the story.”

Because of his commitment to using insiders’ perspectives, Bednarz did not use sound or voiceovers from outsiders unrelated to the state six-man surge. He said the story is told by community members, players, coaches and uses footage of radio interviews.

In addition to the state finale, he said he went back three months afterwards “to get the boys’ and coaches’ perspectives.”

Bednarz said he chose to keep the film short “because at end you want more.”

So far, “6” has been screened in Dallas and Austin since it was completed about four months ago. Bednarz said he is entering “6” in all the film festivals with a short film documentary section, including Sundance and Munich film festivals.

At one of the screenings, Bednarz said he was asked why he did this film. “I thought it was a film that needed to be made – this time of Americana,” he said. “So many of these small schools are getting consolidated and communities are drying up. That’s the bigger message in this film.”

He said he was also interested in six-man football as a way for the communities to come together, be competitive and as a “way to air things out.”

The Double J Art Ranch will screen “6” at 7 p.m. Friday night. Bednarz said he will give an introduction to the short film and will answer questions afterwards.

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There’s more – “6” isn’t all the Double J Art Ranch has to offer folks who are evading or decompressing from Black Friday and Saturday. The Ranch’s Misfit Thanksgiving has many other features.

After the documentary on the Strawn Greyhounds’ 2008 state championship win, Jimmy Baldwin will play tunes. Jane Baldwin invites people – misfit or not – to, “Come for soup, pie and good holiday cheer.”

During the day Saturday, Baldwin said they will play competitive matches of Texas croquet – using oversized balls, mallets and wickets, handmade for the Double J courtyard – scrabble and chicken scratch Bingo.

Beginning at 7 p.m., Mike Renfro will read from his book, “Shine On,” a story about Shiner Beer. Then Austin singer/songwriter Leeann Atherton will play. Concessions will be available for a small cost.

If locals want to participate in the weekend activities, Baldwin said they are suggesting a donation of $10. A portion of proceeds will benefit New Haven Helping Hands.

The Double J Art Ranch is located at 133 Seybold Road, about 6 miles west of Mineral Wells. For more information or for overnight reservations, call (940) 325-1813, or e-mail Artranch133@mac.com.

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