‘Torched’ Documentary Captures Essence of Austin-based Frisbee Team

The Austin Torch is an Ultimate Frisbee team that is distinctive in their structure, being a non-binary/female team. Known to compete in the Premier Ultimate League, the team pushes the boundaries beyond conventional structures of the sport. Hoag Kepner, the team’s filmmaker, had a different vision in mind when he started collecting footage of the Torch’s 2018 season. His underlying aim was to narrate the story of – and beyond – The Torch, which later resulted in his directorial debut through the documentary, ‘Torched’.

A Team with a Cause

“This is more than just a team on field,” states Tim “Bonesaw” Kepner, the Torch’s co-founder and Hoag’s brother. Unlike Austin’s other Ultimate Frisbee team, Austin Sol, The Torch aims for much more than commercial success. It seeks to grow along with the Austin community in an organic and sustainable manner.

Where Can ‘Torched’ be Viewed?

The documentary film initially reaped high accolades at the Reel East Texas Film Festival in 2023, winning the Audience Award for Best Feature Film and Best Director (Documentary). It also won the Audience Award at Dances With Films New York in the same year. Currently, Torched is accessible to audiences throughout North America, available for rent or purchase on digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms.

The Underlying Narrative of ‘Torched’

While being an ultimate frisbee team, the Austin Torch is also a 501(c)3 non-profit entity whose main focus is not scoring commercial success but contributing to the community. The team employs its resources toward LGBTQ issues and engages in volunteer work whenever possible. ‘Torched’ brings to vision the team’s 2022 season which marked their first full season of gameplay after the COVID-19 pandemic nearly led to the shutdown of the league.

Kepner explores the Torch’s history, the sacrifices players make in the league, and how this contributes to a wider discourse concerning women’s sports and equity. “It’s not just about being a semi-pro athlete, though that is of the utmost importance,” he says. “It’s the mission-oriented nature…their willingness to pour their passion and time into it.”

The Personal Struggles Behind the Scenes

The documentary delves into the players’ personal lives, encapsulating their struggles coping with their sportive dreams and personal life. It portrays an overburdened team president, a player grappling to balance her dream’s demands with her fresh marriage, and a corporate sales manager frustrated with her day-to-day job.