Film Synopsis
Mary and Bill is a feature length documentary about Mary Stroebe, a 90-year-old triathlete, and Bill Wambach, an 83-year-old high jumper. Bill holds the national record in his age bracket and was also named "Male Athlete of the Year" by the National Congress of State Games. Mary appeared on the Regis and Kelly Show and received a "Relly award."
The film follows Mary and Bill immediately after they experience health related problems. Mary just broke her leg while down hill skiing and Bill, who smoked for 45 years, is recovering from a heart attack. Despite these physical ailments, both decide to train and compete in their respective events. Mary hopes to complete the Lifetime Fitness triathlon and Bill will attempt to win the National Senior Olympics. Through their amazing commitment, both Mary and Bill prove that age is just a number.
In addition to the below listed awards and selections, Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks, presented the film's trailer on their YouTube channel, which has helped provide Mary and Bill more exposure. You can watch Cenk's presentation here.
Filmmaker Bio
Andrew Napier grew up in Mauston, Wisconsin where he made his first feature documentary 'Mary and Bill'. After attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison, he worked on the set of 'Inglourious Basterds' in Berlin, Germany. In 2009, he moved to Los Angeles where he was hired as a director/producer for Cenk Uygur's progressive news show 'The Young Turks'. During his tenure, from 2009 to 2012, he co-created their movie review show 'What the Flick!?' and filmed behind the scenes for his upcoming documentary 'Mad as Hell: Rise of the Young Turks'.
Napier was a producer and assistant director of the 2012 Academy Award Winning live action short film 'Curfew'. He then directed the short film 'Grandma's Not a Toaster', which was written and produced by the same team behind 'Curfew', and will premiere at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival.
IMDB
Awards
3 Best of Fest Awards - Films for Family, Films About Real People, and Films for Sports Lovers
Wisconsin Film Festival - Golden Badger Award
California Film Awards - Diamond Award
Los Angeles Cinema Festival of Hollywood - Best Documentary Feature
Los Angeles Film and Script Festival - Best Documentary Feature
Los Angeles Movie Awards - Best Documentary Short, Best Director, Best Concept
Yosemite International Film Festival - Best Comedy
Mountain Film Awards - Best Educational Film
Canada Film Festival - Royal Reel Award Winner
Honolulu Film Awards - Gold Kahuna Award
Mexico International Film Festival - Golden Palm Award
Las Vegas Film Festival - Silver Ace Awards
Alaska International Film Festival - Best Sports Film
Festivals
American Documentary Film Festival
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
ReelHeART International Film Festival
Costa Rica International Film Festival
California Independent Film Festival
New Jersey Film Festival
Durango Independent Film Festival
Wisconsin Film Festival
Los Angeles Film and Script Festival
Beverly Hills Film, TV, & New Media Festival
Beloit Film Festival
Lucerne International Film Festival
Duke City Doc Fest
Yosemite International Film Festival
