In some places they watch football. In Alabama, they live it. Tonight, a nationwide audience will get to watch how they live when ESPN airs the documentary “Roll Tide/ War Eagle” at 7 p.m.
The film, directed by Martin Khodabakshian, follows the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn from its roots in 1893 to last year’s Auburn comeback in Bryant-Denny.
Its story focuses on the past two years, in which the state has produced two national champions and two Heisman Trophy winners, along with the controversies, devastations and triumphs that have come along with them.
A group of 700 descended on a neutral site – the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham – on Nov. 1 to watch the film’s opening. It was a scene more reminiscent of a pep rally than a Hollywood-style premier, as chants of “Roll Tide” and “War Eagle” erupted during the movie.
The documentary features a wide range of figures in the rivalry, from coaches and former players to media personalities and hardcore fanatics. They provide insight into the rivalry that even the most fervent fans will appreciate.
“I think there are a lot of things people think they know, that once they hear it from the horses’ mouths, it may either enlighten them, or make them feel a little different, or reinforce how they feel about the horses,” Khodabakshain said.
After the film, the reaction was positive from both Alabama and Auburn fans.
“I really enjoyed it,” said Chris Liebe, a junior from Auburn. “They did a great job covering both sides. It was really fantastic.”
“I thought it was awesome,” said Shannon Piggott, a senior at Alabama. “It went through the rivalries, but it was kind of a happy ending.”
The idea behind the documentary came from the film’s producer, Joe Tessitore. As an analyst, Tessitore covered the 2011 BCS National Championship and both Heisman Trophy ceremonies for ESPN.
“I witnessed everything that happened over the two years first hand,” Tessitore said. “I remember saying, ‘this is absolutely surreal.’”
But it wasn’t until Tessitore heard Harvey Updyke admit to poisoning the trees at Toomer’s Corner that he was inspired to begin writing.
“I was listening to the Finebaum show, and [thought], this is just out of control,” Tessitore said. “And I just stayed up late on my laptop and started putting together a timeline.”
That timeline ended up being “as thick as a 500 page Harry Potter book,” laying out how the movie should be made.
“The story was so strong,” Khodabakshian said. “Joe pitched the film, after collaborating with Bruce Feldman, and they literally green-lit it in seven days. That just doesn’t happen.”
As for why Khodabakshain picked ‘Roll Tide’ to go first in the film’s title, it’s better not to ask.
“If I hear one more question about why Roll Tide before War Eagle, I swear,” Khodabakshain said. “Apparently alphabetical order doesn’t fly in this state.”
