Big Fan 2009

Paul Aufiero, a 35-year-old parking-garage attendant residing in Staten Island, proudly claims the title of the “world’s biggest New York Giants fan.” Living with his mother, he dedicates his free time to passionately calling into local sports-radio station 760 The Zone, where he fervently defends his beloved team against his enigmatic on-air rival, Eagles fan Philadelphia Phil. Despite the constant berating from his family for failing to create a meaningful life, they are oblivious to the profound dedication Paul has for the Giants and the heavy burden that comes with such a passion.

One fateful night, along with his best friend Sal, Paul chances upon Quantrell Bishop, the star linebacker of the Giants, at a nearby gas station. Unable to contain their excitement, they follow his limo to a Manhattan strip club, where they find themselves mesmerized by their hero from a distance. Summoning his courage, Paul takes a bold step to approach Bishop, but the encounter veers off course in unexpected ways.

The repercussions of this brief meeting send Paul’s life spiraling as his family, the media, the authorities, and his beloved team all engage in a fierce tug of war over him. This tumultuous situation forces Paul to confront his loyalties and scrutinizes his beliefs just as the Giants gear up for a critical season showdown against their rivals, the Eagles. Unbeknownst to them, sometimes the fiercest battles are fought far away from the spotlight of the game.

With his follow-up to the acclaimed screenplay THE WRESTLER, writer-director Robert Siegel crafts a poignant exploration of humanity, revealing both its harsh realities and moments of uplifting resilience.