James Anderson to direct documentary film to support HIV cause

ICC Media Release

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (TheSportsNEXT) December 2, 2012: The Producers of the documentary film "Warriors" are delighted to announce that England cricketer James Anderson has agreed to become involved as our first Executive Producer.

"Warriors" is a unique and fascinating documentary following a group of Maasai who have dropped their spears for cricket bats and formed a cricket team. Shot mainly in Kenya, with unprecedented access to the Maasai community in Il Polei, Laikipia North, it follows the team on their pilgrimage to play in a tournament in England - the home of cricket.

The team is also trying to use this new found unity to combat AIDS, fight for gender equality, and bring an end to traditional practices such as childhood marriage and FGM (female genital mutilation). Sport has given them a status, a way of educating and inspiring young people, and also a way of involving girls and empowering them. But the elders of the community feel it threatens their Maasai heritage.

James Anderson said: "I'm delighted to be involved. It's a new venture for me, but still with a connection to cricket. When I watched some of the footage, and heard more about the story, I was immediately excited to help in any way I could. I'll be using my contacts in the sport, and helping with some of the cricket sequences, and really just doing my best to help the film get made. It shows the global reach of the game of cricket and the positive impact it can still have on young people."

Barney Douglas, Director & Producer of "Warriors", said: “Jimmy and I became good friends after the Ashes Diaries, and he's long been interested in creative projects outside of his cricket career. We are delighted to have a sportsman of his profile, appeal, and contacts to help us complete and promote a successful film. Jimmy is a top man who is at the top of his game - his excitement and desire to be involved is massive for us and hopefully we'll have a film which can first and foremost go back into the education system in Kenya, but also inspire young people around the world to play cricket and use sport positively."