ROUGE

Behold the history of the River Rouge Panthers of Michigan, one of the most storied high school basketball teams in the country, through the eyes of coaches, recruiters, and players old and new—including Clevelander Brent Darby, Jr.—in this layup of a doc that proves glory can come from even the most economically ravaged of areas.In its heyday, River Rouge, Michigan was known for having one of the best high school basketball teams in the country. Led by beloved coach Lofton Greene, they dominated the state championships in the 1960s and 70s, and they still hold the record for winning more than any other school in the state. Once a thriving industrial town, as with many parts of the country, the last few decades have hit River Rouge hard. The once abundant funding for schools and sports programs has decreased dramatically, but the hoop dreams of young students are still very much alive. Following a new group of River Rouge Panthers – including Clevelander Brent Darby, Jr. – as they attempt to both bring River Rouge’s name back on top in the state championship and carve out prosperous futures for themselves, ROUGE is an inspiring and deeply moving documentary that will have you cheering from the seats. —G.S. WORLD PREMIEREGUEST(S) IN ATTENDANCE