Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story

Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story is a compelling documentary that focusses on the life of Jay DeMerit, a professional soccer player from America who made his mark on the international field. Released in 2011, it presents an inspirational journey of DeMerit and is filled with challenges, struggles, perseverance, and ultimate success. This feature-length film is directed by Nick Lewis and Ranko Tutulugdzija.

Jay DeMerit, an American soccer player, is the central character of this riveting story. His journey to international stardom is nothing short of a fairy tale as he starts as a commoner, lives in an attic, survives on mere dollars a day in a foreign country, and finally becomes an established player playing for the highest tier of English football, the English Premier League. The story provides an in-depth look into DeMerit's life and even includes appearances from his parents, Karen and Todd DeMerit.

One of the most captivating elements of Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story is DeMerit's journey itself from being a small town guy from Green Bay, Wisconsin, a place that has very little in terms of soccer development, to become a global star. The film is replete with his early days of struggle, his undying perseverance to overcome his circumstances, and his persistence to follow his passion for soccer, pitching him as a figure of inspiration for anyone facing adversity.

Another important highlight of the film is its unique grassroots funding approach. Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story would not have been possible without the help of soccer fans worldwide who contributed to a Kickstarter campaign to get the film made, making it one of the first successful examples of crowd-funding. This not only highlights the love and support that soccer fans have for their heroes, but also makes them an integral part of the journey.

The film, however, is not just a sports documentary but also a story about the human spirit, grit, and determination. It shows how DeMerit uses his skills, hard work, and determination to find success. It resonates with anyone who has faced obstacles in their path and have had to struggle to overcome them.

DeMerit's journey to the English Premier League (one of the most prestigious football leagues in the world) is explored in minute detail in the film. His struggle to establish himself in a new country, his relentless pursuit of his dream to play soccer at the highest level, his experiences of living in the attic of a bar, all add captivating layers to his story.

The film also touches upon the incredible role that his parents, Karen and Todd DeMerit, played in shaping his life and career. Their appearances throughout the film offer an emotional foil to DeMerit's determined drive, underscoring the crucial support system that stood behind Jay throughout his journey.

Featuring interviews with DeMerit’s teammates, fans, and family, the documentary also features notable insights from acclaimed soccer commentators and sportswriters that add to the film's credibility and engage viewers in this unforgettable story.

Apart from shedding light on DeMerit's life, the movie also casts a thoughtful light on American soccer and its standing on international stages. Jay DeMerit's journey can be paralleled to that of the sport too long overlooked in its home country but now achieving global recognition.

Beyond its poignant and inspiring story, Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story also features terrific technical aspects. The directing by Nick Lewis and Ranko Tutulugdzija effectively captures the essence of DeMerit's journey, bringing out the grit and determination in a visually appealing way. The cinematography is remarkable, underscoring the emotional narrative with aesthetic shots of the various locales in DeMerit’s journey.

All in all, Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story is a shining testament to the world about the power of resilience, determination, and dreaming big. It's more than a sports documentary – it's a celebration of the human spirit and an inspiring tale of how far one can go when they refuse to give up on their dreams. It will inspire, move, and motivate viewers from all walks of life, regardless of whether they are soccer fans or not.