The "Hoop Dreams" of Horse Racing: "The First Saturday in May"

I heard the filmmakers on WFAN in New York on Friday talk about their documentary, which is about horse racing and which has gotten good reviews. It's called The First Saturday in May, and it's worth a good look if you're a horse racing fan -- and even if you're not.

Here's why: the documentary cost $1 million to make, it's well-reviewed, and the only way these guys can make any money is through their own sales of the film, which costs $19.95 (click on the link, and you can purchase it). The big chains aren't interested, and if they go to an art house, the split is such that they don't make a dime. The filmmakers have good financial backers, but they made the film on a bare budget, apparently skipping lunch on certain days. If you're a member of the viewing public and like films like these, take a moment to buy a DVD. You'll be glad you did.