Professional wrestling may or may not be your cup of tea, but as in all forms of entertainment, there is often more to the story than meets the eye. And “Theatre of Pain,” screening Sunday, Nov. 17, during the 28th annual St. Louis International Film Festival, just might peak your interest in the sport.
The compelling short film centers on Jim Hoffarth, who definitely has a story to tell. Wrestling under the name “The Big Texan,” he takes on a role far removed from his everyday life as a family man, grandfather and manager at a Metro East auto parts store.
When he dons the black mask that sets off his intense blue eyes, he becomes the villain that everyone loves to hate.
That character attracted longtime local photographer and filmmaker Zia Nizami, who was on assignment to photograph The Big Texan in action, but was so intrigued, he ended up taking it a giant step further to create “Theatre of Pain.”
Much like a model on the runway in haute couture, a soldier in a uniform, or an actor on stage, wearing clothing from another era, Hoffarth’s “costume” turns off his day-to-day life, and turns on his professional persona.
“Theatre of Pain” is a journey into the world of small-time professional wrestling through Hoffarth’s eyes. The quiet and modest family man puts on his mask to become the “heel” or bad guy to live his childhood dream of being a professional wrestler. For the past 20 years, he has fired up crowds across the Midwest with his intimidating attitude, cocky swagger and flamboyant showmanship. But as he approaches 40, Hoffarth knows his days in the ring are numbered as injuries and aging begin to take their toll.
Nizami said the film gets into the minds of wrestlers and their hardcore fans.
“Outsiders might scoff that professional wrestling isn’t really a sport since the outcome is pre-determined. But for die hard wrestlers and fans, pro wrestling transcends sport, serving as the perfect metaphor for life,” Nizami said.
Hoffarth describes it as a “soap opera” for men. No matter what, pro wrestlers tear up their bodies to create a fantasy world where heartless villians square off against idealistic baby faces, and good – eventually – triumphs over evil.
The film features local wrestlers who perform in the Metro East and St. Louis area.
“Professional wrestling has been dismissed as being fake, but I think that’s missing the point,” Nizami said. “Every fight or action scene in a movie or TV show is ‘fake,’ but audiences suspend their disbelief and enjoy them all the same. Pro wrestling is no different.
“‘Theatre of Pain’ opens a fascinating window into the lives of the men and women who’ve dedicated their lives to professional wrestling,” he added.
“Theatre of Pain” (part of Doc Shorts: Showcase Sampler at 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Stage at KDHX) is billed under the tagline, “His back hurts, he’s a new grandpa, but Jim Hoffarth still wants to be king of the ring.”
Nizami’s first foray into filmmaking was a short documentary film about several generations of military war veterans with PTSD. Entitled “The War Within,” the film focused on St. Louis-area veterans who had served in the conflicts between the Korean War through the post 9/11 conflicts in the Middle East.
“The War Within” was made about 10 years ago when he worked as a photojournalist at the Belleville Illinois News-Democrat. He has since worked on several projects, but “Theatre of Pain” is the first film he has directed that was accepted into the St. Louis International Film Festival. He has a 20-year history of shooting, editing and producing award-winning photography and videography for the News Democrat, ESPN, the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and many more. His photography and films have won several regional and national awards.
The Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival once again provides opportunity for directors to showcase their work, and movie lovers the chance to see the latest in documentaries, shorts, international films and feature-length movies, through Nov. 17.
In all, this year’s festival screens 389 films, which includes 81 narrative features, 63 documentary features, 227 shorts and 18 film programs. There will also be 12 special-event programs, including the closing-night awards presentation. Films in the festival come from 63 different countries.
Individual tickets are $14 each, or $10 for Cinema St. Louis members and students with current and valid ID. The festival schedule, ticket and venue information, and a complete list of films with descriptions are available at the Cinema St. Louis website at cinemastlouis.org.
