Hoop Warrior

About The Project

Hoop Warrior is a social impact documentary directed by Melisa Ramos and fiscal sponsored by Pregones | PRTT Theater. By supporting Hoop Warrior you will also support Pregones Theater.

About Melisa Ramos Director/Producer

As an accomplished independent producer of documentary series in English and Spanish on PBS and for Hunter College’s Center for Puerto Rican Studies, and on behalf of my team, we reach out concerning a project that we have been producing for the last few years telling the story of my Puerto Rican nephew, Jorge Matos as we now take our journey on higher ground by launching a fundraising campaign to finalize post-production for my documentary feature, Hoop Warrior.

Mission Statement

Hoop Warrior is an social impact immersive and captivating Feature Documentary directed by Melisa Ramos, delving into the significance and transformative power of basketball in Puerto Rico, as seen through the eyes of professional player Jorge Matos. A street basketball player who rises to the professional level, represents his country internationally and wins the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Gold Medal in 2021, the FIBA 3x3 Americup Silver Medal in 2022 and participates twice in the Pan American Games 2023 in Chile. Through Jorge Matos' story we learn how basketball transforms lives, combats poverty and uplifts communities.

The Story

From his humble beginnings growing up in a low-income family in Puerto Rico, Jorge Matos discovered his passion for basketball. The local, street basketball scene and community leagues became his training ground, nurturing his talent and dedication. Despite the challenges he faced, including chronic asthma, multiple injuries, and the unimaginable loss of his 9-month-old daughter, Jorge Matos turned his pain into strength, using basketball as a means of personal and professional growth.

As a Puerto Rican basketball player who won the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Gold Medal in 2021, Jorge Matos became a symbol of pride and inspiration for his people. In 2022 right at the peak of his game he suffered an injury in his shoulder that required surgery and rehabilitation. He navigates painful physical therapy, and after 5 months returns to the court and wins the FIBA 3x3 Americup Silver medal for Puerto Rico.

Why Donate?

Hoop Warrior goes beyond just the story of Jorge Matos, but those sectors he comes from, the communities that helped him and its leaders. We highlight the positive influence that basketball has beyond the court. Our film invites viewers to witness the transformative power of sports as a catalyst for social change and empowerment. For this we also interview street basketball leaders and community leagues showing their role in impacting the life of the youth and their neighborhoods in general. We present issues such as; the public basketball court's poor conditions and the importance of its proper maintenance and accessibility to all community members. Basketball not only stimulates largely the economy of Puerto Rico but also strengthens boundaries within community leaders, families and private institutions. With your contribution we will be able to shed light into all these issues and contribute to Puerto Ricos' sport actual scenarios.

Our Goal

Complete Production

Complete Post Production

Distribute to film festivals

Distribute to film theatre

Reach as most audience as possible

How You can Help

You can benefit from our donation packages or set up the amount you prefer.

Other Ways You can Help

If you can't contribute financially, you can still make a huge impact: Spread the word! Share our campaign on your social media platforms.

HOOPWARRIOR.COM

Thank you in advance for your support!

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Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater is an award-winning performing ensemble, multidiscipline arts presenter, and owner/steward of arts facilities in The Bronx and Manhattan. Our mission is to champion a Puerto Rican/Latinx cultural legacy of universal value through creation and performance of original plays and musicals, exchange and partnership with other artists of merit, and engagement of diverse audiences.

Cuenta Cuentos Productions LLC is Fiscal Sponsored by Pregones|Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, Inc. a 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax-deductible, and we will provide a receipt for your records. No goods or services will be provided to you in exchange for the contribution.