This film resists easy categorization - it's simultaneously a thrilling sports movie, an insightful journey to a new world, and a lyrical personal story. Like the film, the sport chinlone is hard to define. It's a team sport without an opposing team, part dance, part meditation. There is no competition, no winner and no loser. The game is back-breakingly difficult, yet is played by almost all Burmese, from young children to octogenarians. Eight years in the making, Mystic Ball will engage you in a beautiful story about the happiness and fulfillment that comes from following one’s passion. Winner of the Special Jury Prize as Best Canadian Feature at the 2007 Hot Docs Film Festival. 83 mins. Rated G.
"In this uplifting documentary, a Canadian man journeys deep into the little known culture of Myanmar (Burma) and its traditional sport, chinlone. Wonderfully crafted, Greg Hamilton has made a film of striking visual imagery."
—Hubert Davis, Canadian Spectrum Programmer, Hot Docs Film Festival