Loading Docs 2022 - E Blacks

In 2022, Esports — the "electronic sports" of competitive video gaming — were included at the Commonwealth Games for the first time; and New Zealand's national team qualified. In this short Loading Docs documentary, writer/director Ashley Pitman follows New Zealand's own E Blacks to England to compete on the world stage, playing Defence of the Ancients 2 (Dota 2). Profiling team leader Sam 'Fury' Johnson, the interviews and behind the scenes footage reveal the intelligence, obsession and sacrifice needed to play video games competitively, and the impact this has on Sam's life and relationships.    

I'm anxious, actually. I'm anxious, because as he gets older, I don't see where it leads.

– Sam's mother Roz Johnson

Key Cast & Crew

Julia Parnell

Executive Producer

Steve Allanson

Cinematographer

Ashley Pitman

Director, Writer

Rajneel Singh

Producer

Annamarie Connors

Producer

Oliver Dawe

Editor