Best of Fest Encores
Documentary Competition - Special Jury Prize
The 2021 MSPIFF Special Jury Prize has been awarded to The Claw, directed by Phillip Harder. This was a film made with all the verve and bombast of the world it inhabits. A lively and entertaining portrait of professional wrestler Baron von Raschke, aka "The Baron," The Claw was a welcome opportunity to lose oneself in a story about the passion and pain of pursuing a dream.
How to Watch
Your ticket includes a recorded Filmmaker Q&A following the film.
Step into the pro wrestling ring with Baron von Raschke and he’ll recount his journey from shy Nebraska Olympic hopeful to international infamy. The director-producer tag team of Minneapolis-based film director Philip Harder and von Raschke’s only son Karl have created a documentary unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Using family Super 8mm footage, interviews, and raucous re-creations of real events, this sometimes-bloody-but-shockingly-tender movie follows the Baron as he steps into his memories and takes you back to the Golden Age of professional wrestling when Baron von Raschke (aka “The Claw”) reigned supreme. Featuring never before seen interviews with Mad Dog Vachon, The Destroyer, Krusher Kowalski, Greg Gagne and others who know the real story behind The Claw. This feature length film has wide appeal. Whether you’re just curious about the wacky world of wrestling or a hardcore fan, The Claw will surprise and delight you.
Director Biography
Philip Harder directed the 2020 feature Tuscaloosa, produced by Patrick Riley for Riley/Harder Pictures. Starring Natalia Dyer, Devon Bostick, Tate Donovan, YG and Marchant Davis. Harder's commercials include Apple iPod, Sprint, Gap, Target, Smirnoff, Hewlett Packard. Music videos include Prince, Foo Fighters, Incubus, CSS, Semisonic, Babes in Toyland, Hilary Duff, Low, Cornershop, Pulp, The Cranberries. Harder's cinematographer credits include the Japanese feature Yoko the Cherry Blossom shot and distributed in Japan;. Snow which was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award; and Low Movie about the band Low.
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