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The Meloneers

2026 22 min Sports

In small town rural America, "The Meloneers" is a coming of age story, examining the intersection of wrestling and fatherhood as a high school coach uses the sport to help the community's youth better understand their lives.

Official Poster

About the Film

In Rocky Ford, Colorado, a storied high school wrestling program gives young athletes more than a chance to compete. The Meloneers follows several wrestlers as they navigate family challenges, personal responsibility, and life in a town fighting to preserve its identity, discovering resilience both on and off the mat.

  • DOCUMENTARY
  • SHORT DOCUMENTARY
  • SPORTS DOCUMENTARY
  • COMING-OF-AGE
  • HUMAN INTEREST
  • WRESTLING
  • AMERICAN WRESTLING
  • HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
  • RURAL AMERICA
  • HISPANIC STORIES
  • MEXICO
  • FAMILY
  • MENTORSHIP
  • FATHERHOOD
  • RESILIENCE
  • COMMUNITY
  • COLORADO
  • STUDENT ATHLETES
  • YOUTH
  • SPORTS CULTURE
  • PERSEVERANCE
  • LATINO STORIES
Director
Brendan Young
Producers
Lindsey Hagen · Andrew Hutcheson
Editor
Matt Coddaire
Production Companies
Voyager · Futuristic Films

Festivals & Awards

3 SELECTIONS
  • Aspen Shortsfest 2026 (Youth Jury Award)
  • Mountainfilm 2026
  • Benson Film Festival

Production Stills

5 STILLS

The Filmmakers

Brendan Young
DIRECTOR Brendan Young

Brendan Young is a documentary and commercial director. Born and raised in Washington DC, his grandmother's work as a potter was his earliest exposure to art; from his grandfather, he learned a love for baked goods and trains. Taking pride in capturing intimate moments through a compelling lens, he's drawn to stories that celebrate and help make sense of the world around us — stories about community in unlikely places, films and commercials that make us think and feel outside our own perspectives. Brendan's work has been featured at Oscar-qualifying film festivals, in The One Club, on The Atlantic, and as Vimeo Staff Picks.

Lindsey Hagen
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Lindsey Hagen

Lindsey Hagen is an Oscar-qualified director, executive producer, and development executive with a focus on cause-related storytelling. Lindsey has a background in sales and marketing, journalism, brand strategy, and documentary filmmaking. She leads a successful career ideating and pitching meaningful stories to brand and network partners, creating compelling human-centered films and campaigns.

Andrew Hutcheson
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Andrew Hutcheson

Andrew Hutcheson is an Emmy-nominated producer and founder of Voyager, a decorated New York production company creating both independent and commissioned films. Recent producing credits include Shanti Rides Shotgun (SXSW, Official Selection) and Through the Storm (NFL Network; Big Sky Film Festival, Artistic Vision Award).

Matt Coddaire
EDITOR Matt Coddaire

Matt Coddaire is an award-winning director, editor, and storyteller. His work spans genres and topics from environmental impact to drug addiction, inclusive access to the outdoors, professional gaming, and beyond. Matt has been appointed to create content and tell stories for clients including Vail Resorts, John Deere, The North Face, Uber, and Timberland.

Will Gardner
CINEMATOGRAPHER Will Gardner

Will Gardner is a cinematographer born and raised in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Growing up with skis on his feet and a camera in his hand, he started a production company when he was in high school. From there, he developed a knack for storytelling and a keen eye for blending commercial and documentary visuals.

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