OJM Exclusive: Behind the scenes of our landmark film, Sauna Dreams.
Sweat, Heat and Steam. This is Sauna Dreams...behind the scenes. An exclusive look at the first Old Jewish Men produced movie.
Come to the free screening of Sauna Dreams, an Old Jewish Men production, at Film Noir Cinema on Sunday June 30th. This RSVP required! Q&A to follow.
What is Sauna Dreams? The World Sauna Championships were a real competition that took place in Finland up until 2010 when two competitors died from extreme heat exposure (competitive saunas are set to 230 degrees F). But after a ten year hiatus, the championships are BACK and this year it’s in Detroit.
Meet Dave, a 70 something lifelong sauna professional who is this year’s front runner. Everyone in Detroit is there to watch Dave compete; he’s brash, confident, and drinks milk to stay alert.
As one onlooker says, “Dave’s body was made for the sauna.”
It’s Dave’s dream to bring home the brass to his family. The only thing that can stand in his way is a new hot shot kid named Fram, born with a once-in-a-generation tolerance for extreme temperature. Is this Dave’s year? Or is Fram the Ram the real chosen one?
All behind the scenes footage was filmed by Willie Zabar.
Willie did the best he could with what he had… documenting everything from airport coffee trips, views from the plane, Detroit accommodations, challenging moments in the sauna when things got a little bit…too hot. Remember, the competitors in this film aren’t real professional sauna athletes, so things could get a little bit intense.
Day 1.
There’s Willie. click here to watch.