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"Papa's Beast: A Judah Mintz Story" Released by 44 Films
6/17/2024 12:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball
"Papa's Beast: A Judah Mintz Story," a film about the former Syracuse guard, has been released by 44 Films and is available to view.
The video chronicles the special relationship Mintz had with his maternal grandfather, James Holcomb Jr., whom he referred to as "Papa."Â Woven within the main story line is Judah Mintz's recruitment by Syracuse and the Orange rivalry with Georgetown. Mintz grew up in Fort Washington, Maryland, just south of Washington, D.C., where Georgetown is located.
The feature was produced and directed by Van Norris, a video producer in the Syracuse Athletics Creative Services Department.
Mintz was a starter on the men's basketball team for the past two seasons. He was a second team All-ACC selection in 2023-24. Mintz ranked second in the ACC in scoring average (18.8 ppg.) and steals average (2.1 spg.). He led the conference in free throws (202) and free throws attempted (264). Following the completion of his sophomore campaign, Mintz decided to pursue a professional basketball career.
About 44 Films
44 Films is an industry partnership started by the Newhouse Sports Media Center in conjunction with Syracuse University Athletics. The partnership is focused on short form, non-fiction narrative filmmaking that puts the students at the forefront of every aspect of production, with the guidance and contribution of faculty and professional staff. The partnership is a forward-thinking, experiential-learning opportunity for all Newhouse School students. Films made through the partnership have won awards from the Broadcast Educators Association, the Associated College Press, the Telly Awards and the Clio Sports Awards. 44 Films is overseen by Olivia Stomski, Assistant Professor and the Director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center, Assistant Professor Jordan Kligerman, Assistant Athletics Director/Digital & Brand Strategy David Gunn and Assistant Athletics Director/Creative Services Mike Lang.Â
"44 Films started with a conversation between Mark Lodato, Dean of the Newhouse School, and John Wildhack, Syracuse Director of Athletics," said Kligerman. "The idea was to tell more of the incredible stories that are part of the fabric of Syracuse University and put students in the director's chair. From that conversation Olivia Stomski enlisted myself and others, and together, under her leadership, we have taken that singular idea and have turned it into a total of 13 films.
"Eight of the films were released in our first two seasons and five more are set to premiere this summer with season three. The collaboration is truly organic and the students are thriving with this opportunity. We are excited about what's to come."Â
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"Van Norris is an emerging talent in sports creative," said Kligerman. "His technical skill sets are at such a high level, but what is more exciting is his dedication to story and story structure. "Papa's Beast" started as an idea in the Newhouse course Sports Documentary. "Together we really dug deep into what makes Judah Mintz tick as one of the best guards in college basketball. The story goes well beyond the court and Van's curiosity and talent makes this a film to remember."Â
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The video chronicles the special relationship Mintz had with his maternal grandfather, James Holcomb Jr., whom he referred to as "Papa."Â Woven within the main story line is Judah Mintz's recruitment by Syracuse and the Orange rivalry with Georgetown. Mintz grew up in Fort Washington, Maryland, just south of Washington, D.C., where Georgetown is located.
The feature was produced and directed by Van Norris, a video producer in the Syracuse Athletics Creative Services Department.
Mintz was a starter on the men's basketball team for the past two seasons. He was a second team All-ACC selection in 2023-24. Mintz ranked second in the ACC in scoring average (18.8 ppg.) and steals average (2.1 spg.). He led the conference in free throws (202) and free throws attempted (264). Following the completion of his sophomore campaign, Mintz decided to pursue a professional basketball career.
About 44 Films
44 Films is an industry partnership started by the Newhouse Sports Media Center in conjunction with Syracuse University Athletics. The partnership is focused on short form, non-fiction narrative filmmaking that puts the students at the forefront of every aspect of production, with the guidance and contribution of faculty and professional staff. The partnership is a forward-thinking, experiential-learning opportunity for all Newhouse School students. Films made through the partnership have won awards from the Broadcast Educators Association, the Associated College Press, the Telly Awards and the Clio Sports Awards. 44 Films is overseen by Olivia Stomski, Assistant Professor and the Director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center, Assistant Professor Jordan Kligerman, Assistant Athletics Director/Digital & Brand Strategy David Gunn and Assistant Athletics Director/Creative Services Mike Lang.Â
"44 Films started with a conversation between Mark Lodato, Dean of the Newhouse School, and John Wildhack, Syracuse Director of Athletics," said Kligerman. "The idea was to tell more of the incredible stories that are part of the fabric of Syracuse University and put students in the director's chair. From that conversation Olivia Stomski enlisted myself and others, and together, under her leadership, we have taken that singular idea and have turned it into a total of 13 films.
"Eight of the films were released in our first two seasons and five more are set to premiere this summer with season three. The collaboration is truly organic and the students are thriving with this opportunity. We are excited about what's to come."Â
Â
"Van Norris is an emerging talent in sports creative," said Kligerman. "His technical skill sets are at such a high level, but what is more exciting is his dedication to story and story structure. "Papa's Beast" started as an idea in the Newhouse course Sports Documentary. "Together we really dug deep into what makes Judah Mintz tick as one of the best guards in college basketball. The story goes well beyond the court and Van's curiosity and talent makes this a film to remember."Â
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