Watch The Pro-Player Files: Arslan Ash
- 2019
- 11 min
Some months ago, a documentary movie about a famous pro gamer named 'The Pro-Player Files: Arslan Ash' was getting the attention of the gaming community in the US. Kevin Carignan directed the documentary and gave viewers an inside look of the internationally recognized Tekken 7 champion Arslan Ash. The 70-minute movie takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride through the life and struggles of Arslan Ash, a Pakistani pro gamer, who went from playing in small-town raucous to international fame seemingly overnight.
At the beginning of the documentary, the opening scene of Arslan Ash winning at the Evolution Championship Series (Evo) - the largest annual fighting game tournament in the world - is shown, along with various other tournaments he participated in, and his triumph in all those competitions. As the film goes on, it delves deep into Arslan's life and his journey. It highlights the cultural differences between the Pakistani and the Western gaming community and how Arslan Ash overcame those barriers.
The documentary also provides viewers with information on Pakistan's gaming industry, which is emerging and expanding, allowing more pro gamers like Arslan Ash to attain global recognition. It also investigates how Arslan Ash battled his way to the top, the sacrifices, the family and societal pressures, and the politics he had to overcome to make his dreams a reality. Kevin Carignan portrayed Arslan's journey with empathy and respect, creating an emotional experience that audience members could relate to.
The Pro-Player Files: Arslan Ash sheds light on the dark side of the gaming industry that the public is not always familiar with. The film reveals how the gaming industry can be both intense and taxing, both mentally and physically. It presents a reality that pro gamers are just like other athletes and explains how their professions possess similar stressors. The viewers get an insight into the dedication and effort required to reach a professional level, and how, despite the adrenaline-rushing victories, there are days, weeks, or even months of heartbreaking losses.
Furthermore, the movie's strength lies in its ability to draw the audience deeper into the life of Arslan Ash. It highlights his personality traits, his passion, his determination, his family, and the challenges that he faced to reach where he is today. Kevin Carignan used a mix of interviews with Arslan Ash, his family, and his friends to bring the audience closer to him. Viewers hear firsthand how Arslan Ash's family questioned his decision to game professionally initially and the social stigmas he had to overcome.
Overall, The Pro-Player Files: Arslan Ash is a heartwarming and compelling documentary that breaks stereotypes and showcases how globalizing sports and gaming has become. The film provides viewers with insight into the world of gaming and shows how gaming communities help bring people closer together despite cultural differences. It inspires you to take risks, follow your passions, and work hard for your dreams – regardless of what others might say. If you're a gamer, it's a film you’ll appreciate. If you're not, it's still worth checking out – it could change your mind about esports entirely.