James R | On 08, Nov 2013

Netflix has stolen the video on-demand news headlines this week with the announcement of its joint superhero series with Marvel. But the Internet TV service has been busy taking big steps with its documentary arm as well. (That’s how strong Netflix is right now: it can walk with its arms.)

Hot on the heels of snapping up its first original documentary, The Square, fresh from the Toronto Film Festival, Netflix has announced the release of The Short Game.

The film will be added to the streaming catalogue on Thursday, 12th December, making it The first original documentary available on Netflix.

The Short Game follows eight of the most competitive golfers around the globe, all of whom just happen to be under seven years old, as they train for and compete in the World Championship of Junior Golf. The Netflix original documentary will be available to stream in all territories where Netflix is available – the UK, Ireland, the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the Nordics and the Netherlands.

Emmy award-winning director Josh Greenbaum’s feature debut premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) and won the 2013 Audience Award.

“The Short Game provides a highly entertaining, family-friendly and joyful window into a unique world that most people fantasise about: being the best in the world at something. The fact that this dream is pursued by children playing a grown-ups’ game is intriguing and inspiring,” says Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary and Comedy.

“We seek to provide the very best storytelling within the documentary film-making category, and The Short Game is that rare example of a beautifully told and heartwarming tale that appeals to all generations.”

“As a film-maker, you hope your work will reach as many people as possible – and that’s what’s so exciting about partnering with Netflix, who are presenting some of the most original and cutting edge programming on the planet right now,” added director Josh Greenbaum. “The idea of people all across the world being able to watch the film is a dream come true.”

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