Too Short Too Slow: America’s Most Unlikely Basketball Dynasty

We’re thrilled to announce that the opening film of the 2026 Driftless Film Festival will be TOO SHORT TOO SLOW, a special production from Wisconsin filmmaker John Roach highlighting the UW-Platteville men’s basketball team and its four NCAA Division III National Championships!

The screening is the opening feature of the 17th Annual Driftless Film Festival, to be held Nov 4-8, 2026, at the Mineral Point Opera House. Festival Passes are available by clicking here now. Passes provide entrance to all screenings and events. Individual screening tickets will be available Thursday Oct 1 at 10am.

This screening is about much more than a movie.

The film reunites teammates who came to rural University of Wisconsin-Platteville to play college basketball without scholarships. In just a decade, the Pioneers became a dominating force, winning four Division III national championships under Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Bo Ryan. This is the story about the young men whose dedication led them to success and the community who supported them along the way.

Roach will introduce the film and share the story behind its making. Following the screening, we’ll be joined by Coach Bo, along with players from his historic teams, for a special post-film conversation.

It’s a chance to hear firsthand stories from an extraordinary era of UW–Platteville basketball and to celebrate the people and stories that make the Driftless Area so special.

🏀 TOO SHORT TOO SLOW
🎥 Filmmaker: John Roach
🎤 Post-film conversation with Bo Ryan & former UW-Platteville players
📅 Wednesday, Nov 4, 7 pm
📍Mineral Point Opera House
🎟️ Buy Festival Passes Here

This is going to be one unforgettable opening night! Join us and become part of the celebration.

Filmmaker Q&A