Hall of Famer, Nat 'Sweetwater' Clifton, makes history as the first African American to sign an NBA contract, forever changing the game of basketball. In the fall of 1950, a majority of the NBA team owners vote to keep the league “white” triggering an emotional inner battle that brings New York Knicks head coach Joe Lapchick and owner of the New York Knicks Ned Irish together to break barriers and make history. The story follows Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, a Globetrotter and the best “unknown” basketball player of that era, navigating through tough times and changing the game of basketball forever when he becomes a New York Knick.
A powerful and dangerous war of politics ensues when Boston Celtic owner Walter Brown shocks the sports world and drafts Duquesne African American star Chuck Cooper. In a dramatic turn of events, Washington Capitals owner Bones McKinney drafts African American player Earl Lloyd from American University. A cutthroat and competitive race ensues to see which player will become the first black basketball player to walk onto an NBA court- the “Jackie Robinson” of basketball. The triumph of the human spirit that would open doors inspiring the innovative play of iconic greats Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Connie Hawkins, Julius Irving, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and the brilliant stars of today’s great global game of basketball.
Martin Guigui is an award-winning Filmmaker, Music Director, Producer, and Composer. Guigui has directed, written, and produced Feature Films, Music Videos, composed music for film and TV, worked on 135+ productions, produced over 50 music albums, tours, and Music Directs high profile Broadcast Concerts including the popular “Guitar Legends” and “America Salutes You” TV Series. Most recently Guigui wrote and directed “Sweetwater”. Guigui is Co-Founder and President of Sunset Pictures, and EVP of Pacific Records. Born in Buenos Aires Argentina, son of renown Orchestra Conductor Maestro Efrain Guigui, Martin had an eclectic upbringing in New York City, Puerto Rico and Vermont. A music prodigy playing Violin at age four, his concert debut at age 12, now an accomplished Pianist and keyboard player.
As a Filmmaker Guigui has worked with Stars and Icons of the Entertainment industry including Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Dennis Quaid, Richard Dreyfuss, Charlie Sheen, and many more. As a Music Director and Producer Guigui has shared the stage, recorded, and performed with music greats including Christina Aguilera, Billy Gibbons, Gary Clark Jr, Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, Peter Frampton, Eric Church, Daryl Hall, Stephen Stills, Lady Gaga, Keb Mo, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Lemmy Kilmister, Slash, James Cotton, Doobie Brothers, The Cars, Belinda Carlisle, Sammy Hagar, Dave Navarro, Jimmie Vaughan, George Thorogood, Kenny Loggins, Sheila E, Lyle Lovett, Smokey Robinson, David Byrne, Lucinda Williams, Joe Bonamassa, Jose Feliciano, Sam Moore, Sara Evans, Chris Janson, Southside Johnny, Grace Potter, Phish, Yolanda Adams, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Steve Earle, Lauren Alaina, Chrissy Metz, Robert Earl Keen, Blind Boys Of Alabama, Robert Randolph, Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), Larkin Poe, Richie Sambora, Joan Osborne, Trace Adkins, Lee Greenwood, Jake Owen, The Gatlin Brothers, NRBQ, Bo Diddley, Steve Forbert, Bret Michaels, Billy Ray Cyrus, Julio Iglesias Jr, John Popper (Blues Traveler), Maggie & Tae, Maxi Priest, Don Felder (Eagles), Vernon Reid, Orianthi, Haley Reinhart.
Guigui has won numerous “Best Director” Awards, Grammy nominated, Billboard Awards, ASCAP Awards, United Nations Award, Caesar Award, Golden Spirit Award, Estabrook Award, twice honored by the City Of Los Angeles for artistic contributions to music education, Martin produces and music directs broadcast shows for Veteran causes, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, and Endangered Species. Guigui helped organize and Music Directed the iconic “One America” Concert Event hosted by the 5 living U.S. Presidents raising $45 Million Dollars for Hurricane relief. Martin is a contributing author to the book “After Shock” (50th anniversary of “Future Shock”). Guigui was a standout High School basketball player and still passionately enjoys the game having played in the NBA Entertainment League with the likes of Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Kevin Hart.
What makes you fascinated with the cinematic language and what was the first film project you worked on as a director?
Cinema is an emotional art form that encompasses and fuses together all art forms into one. It is singular. There is no other medium that translates to a bigger than life experience like Cinema. When I turned 13 my bike was stolen, and I used the insurance money to buy a Super-8 camera. I made short films all through High School and film school (Hofstra University). My first “official” feature film, which I wrote and directed, was “My Ex-Girlfriend’s Wedding (aka “Wedding Band”) a passion project labor of love that came to fruition with friends and family.
What inspired you to work on "Sweetwater" and why was it important for you to direct this project? Tell us more about the process from pre-production to completion and distribution of the film.
In 1994, I asked myself the question- who was the first black basketball player to play in the NBA? I searched everywhere and found little to nothing about it. I became obsessed and inspired to find out what happened. After years of research, I wrote the script and eventually found the “right” producing partners.
Because of “false starts” (financing falling through on various occasions) we had the unplanned ability to prep the design of the film for several years and made sure the images would be authentic to the 1950 period. Jack Taylor (production designer) was relentless, meticulous, and deeply dedicated to replicating all the architecture of the time to scale. Once “green lit” our actual pre-production was 6 weeks. I called many of the actors that were attached over the years, and we all came together as a family to make the movie. We prepped and filmed on the Warner Bros lot thanks to formidable producer Tim Moore (Malpaso/Clint Eastwood’s producer) who made it possible for us to have an efficient and cost-effective machine. We stretched every dollar in true independent filmmaking fashion. I edited the film with my longtime editor and filmmaking partner Eric Potter, and we completed all post-production at Warner Bros. A company called Briarcliff handled our initial theatrical release, and Universal handled the physical DVD/BluRay release. The official worldwide release is scheduled for fall 2024 and we are thrilled and excited to be working with Angel Studios. The NBA has been our steadfast supporter throughout the years (they were instrumental in the research phase), as well our licensing and marketing partner.
What was the most challenging aspect of working on your feature project?
It was a challenge gathering accurate historical information during the writing of the script (65 drafts over a 28-year period), and with the nature of this controversial cultural story, securing the funding to make the movie was extensive, arduous, and beyond frustrating over the years. When the planets and frequencies aligned, and the movie miraculous went into production, the most challenging aspect was capturing the basketball sequences authentically to reflect the 1950 era style of play.
What is your next film project and what are you currently working on?
I am attached and inspired to Direct various upcoming projects:
“Sammy” (Sammy Davis Jr biopic)
“Big Finish” (old school comedy)
“Stella & Marlon” (story of Stella Adler and Marlon Brando)
What is the most difficult aspect of distributing indie feature projects?
The marketing strategy and promotional execution of an indie film will make or break the success of a deserving project. Unfortunately, the great marketing minds are scarce in our industry, and most of the existing marketing and accounting mechanisms are overpriced, sketchy, and archaic in nature. The good news is that a new disruptive independent marketing and distribution technology is upon us, which will facilitate content reaching consumers expeditiously and efficiently, which will impact both creativity and revenue streams positively.
Does the language of cinema stand out more than other arts to you? And why?
Amassing all art forms, Film is the single most impactful and powerful art form. The Cinematic lens storytelling medium captures and channels visual truth and emotion - that is magic.
Why do you make films and what kind of impact would you like to have on the world as a filmmaker?
We are defined by how we impact others- I am a story teller and filmmaking is the foundation of my true purpose, which is to share great stories, inspire, and impact the world with positive frequencies.
Where do you see the future of independent cinema and film when it comes to feature filmmaking?
Several years ago, independent cinema became the largest form of produced and acquired content for distributors. And it continues to be the leader in authentic heartfelt raw storytelling. Independent cinema will always be the conduit and innovator translating the international language of fresh storytelling via images on the big screen.
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