The Basketball Game

The old adage that one shouldn't judge a book by its cover—or a person by his ethnicity—is deftly taught in this National Film Board of Canada animated short written and directed by Hart Snider, who also narrates in a wryly deadpan tone. The story is based on an actual event from Snider's childhood, in which a social studies teacher in a small Alberta town was revealed to be indoctrinating his class in anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. The officials at a nearby Jewish summer camp attended by then 9-year-old Snider decided that it would be a good outreach gesture to invite the affected students to visit for a picnic and a game of basketball with the Jewish kids. Snider agreed to play, but like most of his friends was also terrified about how the visitors might act toward them. Of course, when the youngsters met, any preconceived notions proved to be no match for the ensuing fun they had. Sean Covernton's animation is charming (even when it opts for some surrealistic touches to show children's fears that their opponents might have horns or wear white sheets and hoods), and pleasantly backed by Adam Damelin's music score. Featuring both English and French versions on the disc, this is recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (F. Swietek)