WILD IN THE STREETS tells the story of an ancient football game that is the lifeblood of an English market town and the origin of rugby, soccer and American football.
Every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday the people of Ashbourne gather in the center of their town to renew the longest running sports rivalry on earth. The game is called Shrovetide Football and originates from two medieval communities living opposite the river Henmore. Today, they are called the Up'ards and Down'ards.
Each team consists of hundreds if not thousands of people. The field of play...the town itself. There is no referee and few rules. Each game begins at 2pm and ends at 10pm. The ball cannot be carried in motorized transport. Cemeteries, churchyards and memorials are out of bounds. Under no circumstances is manslaughter to be tolerated.
The object of the game is simple: Get a 4 pound ball to one of 2 goals that lay 3 miles apart.
For the last 1000 years, Kings, Wars and Revolutions have tried to stop this ancient tradition. Against all odds, the Ashburnian people have kept alive the game from which developed rugby, soccer and American football.
For the last 10 years the 'posh' Up'ards have dominated every contest. As the 'dirty' Down'ards prepare for revenge, both teams will have to fight an additional battle: modern society.
Ultimately, the film shows how a passionate community and an ancient game combine to provide a true meaning of life - a value, not costed in pounds or dollars, acres or hectares but in sportsmanship and friendship...to the play the Game. In the making this documentary we've discovered the purest and most unpretentious of sporting heroes.
