• Season 9

We Clap for Airballs

Sai Selvarajan

A layered documentary—visually, expressively, and thematically—where the basketball court is a safe space for queer and trans BIPOC people to play, feel seen, and valued by one another.
  • Runtime: 12:45

Why we chose this film.

This film offers an uplifting example of the ways group activities can offer a safe haven of connection, resilience, and belonging, particularly for people facing loneliness, discrimination, and exclusion.

Filmmaker

Inspiration

I found about SWISH on Instagram and thought their story and mission would be a great documentary. It was very clear how much joy and love they were bringing to the community through basketball.

Meet the Filmmaker

Sai Selvarajan

Director

Sai Selvarajan

Director

Sai Selvarajan was born on a Wednesday night during a coup d’état. He grew up in Nigeria playing soccer and riding bikes. Sai brings a fierce passion for storytelling, coupled with great design acumen, to his work. From growing up on three continents Sai brings a unique point of view to all his films. He specializes in real people stories that offer the audience a glimpse into lives and communities that often get pushed to the margins. He has written and directed numerous short films including the 2021 SXSW Film Festival World Premiere of The Unlikely Fan, and won a Special Jury Recognition for Coup d’état Math at the 2020 SXSW Film Festival . His latest short documentary “We Clap for Airballs” was licensed by Conde Nast and was personally chosen by LeBron James to screen at his Uninterrupted Film Festival. Two of his films have been selected by Vimeo for Staff Picks.

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