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Table tennis documentary: Ping Pong Paradise” shows the suffering of the professionals
On November 4th, 2025, the documentary “Ping Pong Paradise” about the TTC Neu-Ulm will premiere at the Rio Filmpalast and sheds light on the club’s challenges.
Table tennis documentary: Ping Pong Paradise” shows the suffering of the professionals
The documentary “Ping Pong Paradise”, which deals with the challenges of the TTC Neu-Ulm, will have its premiere on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in the Rio Filmpalast. The film by director Jonas Egert examines the turbulent 2022/23 season of the table tennis club, which was bought into the highest German league in 2019, and is part of the competition at the renowned documentary film festival (“DOK.fest”) in Munich. Not only the rise of the club is discussed here, but also the dramatic fall that was triggered by the Russian war of aggression. The players, including world stars Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Truls Moregard, Lin Yun-ju and Tomokazu Harimoto, are at the center of this moving story.
The story particularly follows the three young Russian players who were unable to return to their homeland after Russia invaded Ukraine. They have to assert themselves in everyday Bundesliga life under the strict eye of their coach Dmitrij Mazunov. Loud Young world Their emotional stress and the challenges in everyday team life are impressively documented. Ovtcharov's spectacular signing was originally the impetus for Egert to devote himself to this topic. The contrasts between the experienced world-class players and the young professionals plagued by doubts are vividly portrayed.
Impressions from the table tennis world
The film offers an authentic look into the lives of the players without relying on sensationalism. Instead, the plot is carried forward entirely through their conversations. The actors' sporting abilities are not neglected; Impressive table tennis rallies ensure exciting moments on the screen. In addition to the dark clouds that the war brought over the club, the film also shows the dynamic within the team, which, despite tough setbacks, holds on to its dreams under coach Mazunov.
With its precise and approachable narrative style, “Ping Pong Paradise” draws the audience into the world of table tennis. The challenges that the players face are mixed with the bureaucracy of the German Table Tennis Association. While the stars of TTC Neu-Ulm were successful in a cup, they had to admit defeat in the Champions League final. Despite the club's hardships and challenges, the film shows the tireless fighting spirit of the actors who give everything to make the best of their situation.
The other feature film dates are May 11th, May 12th and May 15th, 2026, where director Jonas Egert will be present to discuss the film's moving themes with the audience. It's a film that's sure to make you think about the consequences of war and the power of sport.
For sports enthusiasts and history buffs, “Ping Pong Paradise” is an absolute must, with insights that go far beyond sports. The players' emotional reactions and stories provide the perfect mix of inspiration and thoughtfulness.