Kristian Ferrell
Kobe Bryant's 'Dear Basketball' is a 2017 Oscar-winning animated short film based on a poem written by Bryant in 2015. The film was directed and animated by Glen Keane, with music by John Williams. It is an ode to the sport of basketball, a tribute to the game that Bryant loved, and an announcement of his retirement. The film depicts Bryant's journey as a basketball player, from his childhood dreams to his successful career with the Los Angeles Lakers. It explores themes of purpose, acceptance, sacrifice, and learning to let go.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2017 |
| Duration | 5-6 minutes |
| Format | Animated short film |
| Based on | Kobe Bryant's poem 'Dear Basketball' |
| Directed by | Glen Keane |
| Animated by | Glen Keane |
| Written by | Kobe Bryant |
| Narrated by | Kobe Bryant |
| Music by | John Williams |
| Studio | Granity Studios |
| Distributor | go90 |
| Awards | Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, Annie Award, Best Traditional Animation, Special Jury Award |
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What You'll Learn
The animated short film
The film depicts Bryant's poem, in which he describes his love for basketball and reflects on his entire 20-year career, dating back to his childhood. It starts with him making a dunk as the game clock is running out, winning the game for the Los Angeles Lakers. He then reminisces about his childhood, rolling his father's tube socks and shooting imaginary game-winning shots. He explains that as a 6-year-old boy, he only saw himself running out of the tunnel and onto the court, and because of this, he always chose to play the game with all his heart.
Bryant also acknowledges the inevitable end of his career due to his body not being able to bear the game's demands anymore. He accepts that he has only one more NBA season left in him due to his Achilles injury from 2013. With a heavy heart, he comes to terms with this and accepts that he is ready to let go of basketball. He ends the film by claiming that no matter what he does next, he will always be that kid with the rolled-up socks and a basketball dream.
The film features Keane's rough pencil drawings, depicting Bryant as both a Los Angeles Lakers superstar and as a small boy, executing the same leaps and dribbling maneuvers. Keane experimented with new techniques, like animating sweat. He laid a separate sheet over the drawing where a soft layer of graphite was added. By taking pictures with his iPhone and turning them into negatives, he created the illusion of sweat running down the face.
"Dear Basketball" won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2018, the Annie Award, the industry's most prestigious prize, and the Special Jury Award at the 2017 World Animation Celebration International Film Festival.
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Kobe Bryant's poem
In the poem, Bryant expresses his deep love for the game, describing how he fell in love with basketball as a six-year-old boy, rolling his father's tube socks and shooting imaginary game-winning shots. He speaks of his dedication and passion for the sport, giving it his all—his mind, body, spirit, and soul. He recounts how he ran up and down every court, chasing after every loose ball, not because of the challenge, but because basketball called him.
Bryant's poem also touches on themes of acceptance, sacrifice, and learning to let go. He acknowledges that his body knows it's time to say goodbye and that he is ready to move on to the next phase of his life. Despite his impending retirement, he affirms that he will always be that kid with the rolled-up socks and a ball in his hands.
"Dear Basketball" has received critical acclaim and won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2018. The film, directed by Glen Keane, brought Bryant's poem to life with beautiful hand-drawn animation and powerful music by John Williams. The combination of visuals and music inspired viewers, even those who were not fans of basketball or Kobe Bryant himself.
The poem and film stand as a testament to Kobe Bryant's remarkable career and his impact on the world of basketball, inspiring millions with his dedication, passion, and ability to chase dreams.
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Awards and nominations
Kobe Bryant's "Dear Basketball" received several awards and nominations. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. This made Bryant the first African American and the first former professional athlete to be nominated and to win an Oscar in any category. It also marked the first Oscar win for veteran Disney animator Glen Keane.
In addition to the Academy Award, "Dear Basketball" was also recognised at the 2017 World Animation Celebration International Film Festival held at Sony Pictures Animation. The film won the Best Traditional Animation and Special Jury Awards at the festival. The film was also included in The Animation Showcase world touring screening in 2018.
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The production team
Kobe Bryant, the writer and narrator of "Dear Basketball," served as an executive producer on the short film. Glen Keane, a veteran Disney animator known for his work on "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin," directed and animated the film. This was Keane's first Oscar win.
Bryant and Keane were joined by John Williams, a 52-time Academy Award nominee and five-time Oscar winner, who composed the score for "Dear Basketball." Williams' music has graced films such as "Jaws," "Schindler's List," "Star Wars," "Jurassic Park," and "Home Alone."
The production company Granity Studios, originally Kobe Studios, was founded by Bryant with the goal of creating books, TV series, and feature films. "Dear Basketball" was its first project.
The film was made in partnership with Believe Entertainment Group and distributed online through go90.
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Themes of purpose, acceptance and learning to let go
Kobe Bryant's "Dear Basketball" is a powerful exploration of purpose, acceptance, and learning to let go. The animated short film, based on Bryant's poem of the same name, serves as a tribute to the sport that shaped his life and a reflection on his two-decade-long career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Purpose
Bryant's deep-rooted purpose and dedication to basketball are evident from the very beginning of his journey. As a six-year-old boy, he fell in love with the game, rolling his father's tube socks and shooting imaginary game-winning shots. This passion drove him to pursue excellence in every aspect of the game. He gave it his all—his mind, body, spirit, and soul. Bryant's unwavering purpose and commitment to basketball led him to become a 5-time NBA Champion, a league MVP, and one of the greatest players in the history of professional basketball.
Acceptance
Despite his immense success, Bryant eventually had to come to terms with the reality of his physical limitations. In the film, he acknowledges that while his heart can take the pounding and his mind can handle the grind, his body knows it's time to say goodbye. This acceptance of his body's limitations and the inevitable end of his basketball career showcases Bryant's maturity and self-awareness.
Learning to Let Go
The theme of learning to let go is perhaps the most poignant aspect of "Dear Basketball." After two decades of dedication to the sport, Bryant must grapple with the emotional challenge of letting go. He expresses his gratitude for the opportunities and experiences basketball has afforded him, both on and off the court. Through this process of letting go, Bryant demonstrates the importance of cherishing every moment and embracing the next phase of life.
"Dear Basketball" is a testament to Bryant's remarkable career and his ability to inspire millions. By openly sharing his journey of purpose, acceptance, and letting go, Bryant not only pays tribute to the sport he loves but also leaves a lasting legacy of perseverance, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence.
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Frequently asked questions
The animated short film 'Dear Basketball' was written and narrated by Kobe Bryant and directed and animated by Glen Keane, with music by John Williams.
'Dear Basketball' was inspired by Bryant's poem of the same name, which was published in the Players' Tribune in 2015. The poem was written as a farewell to the sport and served as his announcement that the 2015-16 season would be his last.
Yes, 'Dear Basketball' received several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018, the Annie Award, Best Traditional Animation at the 2017 World Animation Celebration International Film Festival, and the Special Jury Award at the same festival.
