Pensioners from across the planet compete in the World over 80s Table Tennis Championships in Inner Mongolia. 8 players from 4 continents, with 703 years between them; guide us through the extraordinary world of Veteran sports. The film interweaves a competition story with intimate and candid portraits that explore the hope, regret and immediacy of growing old.
Pensioners from across the planet compete in the World over 80s Table Tennis Championships in Inner Mongolia. From retirement, care homes, mental and physical health to death and loneliness; 8 players from 4 continents, with 703 years between them; guide us through this extraordinary world of Veteran sports. The film interweaves a competition storyline with intimate and candid portraits that explore the hope, regret and immediacy of growing old. Terry (81) having been given a week to live, not only recovers, but gets in sight of winning gold. Inge (89) has used table tennis to train her way out of the dementia ward she committed herself to 15 years ago. This film is as much about the tenacity of the human spirit as it is a meditation on mortality. From the outset, the eye opening world of over 80s sports challenges perceptions of what it is to grow old. With humour and sensitivity it emotionally engages us with the issues we all face in an ageing global population. Right now 1 in 6 people on the planet are over the age of 60. By 2030 that figure will be 1 in every 4. With 8 expert octogenarians as our guides Ping Pong is a life affirming adventure into another generation; examining the hope, passion, prejudice, and immediacy of growing old.
Director
Producer