Producer | Ryan Sultemeier

The
Roping
Fools

A Feature Length Documentary

Upcoming Screenings

Synopsis

In “The Roping Fools,” we journey through the captivating history of the Western art of trick roping as it evolves from the Mexican Vaqueros to the dazzling arenas of American rodeos. This documentary unveils a story of resilience, entertainment, and the enduring legacy of an underground culture.

The film explores the unique characters who made their names in the spotlight, early figures like Will Rogers and Montie Montana, and more modern figures like legendary Charro, Tomas Garcilazo (Winner of Go Big Show) and Wild West Performer Loop Rawlins (AGT, Kingsman: The Golden Circle).

The documentary is a celebration of the generations of dedicated artists who preserved this captivating tradition. "The Roping Fools" offers a glimpse into the hidden world of trick roping, where skill and tradition intertwine to create a mesmerizing spectacle that continues to defy the test of time.

The Team

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Producer

Ryan Sultemeier

A Producer and Cinematographer, Ryan Sultemeier has worked in the film industry since 2015. Most recently he’s produced two feature documentaries, The Stars at Night, and The Roping Fools. When he isn’t working on docs he’s on set in the camera department of commercials, feature films, and other productions that come to central Texas. His production company Atomized Media recently completed its first music video Caught Dead, for the metal band Cauterized. His work on the short film I’m Right Here traveled to several festivals from Texas to Tokyo. In 2019 he produced a PSA and Music Video called Ode to Living that brings attention to Suicide, Depression, and Mental Health.

Director-Editor

Will Fitzpatrick

Will Fitzpatrick is the director, producer, and editor of "The Roping Fools". His father, Kevin Fitzpatrick, has been a professional trick roper for the past 30 years and Will started performing with him at the age of 3. Will quickly realized his passion was in entertaining people, so when he got older Will went on to pursue a degree from Texas State University in Theatre and Film. Today Will continues to work as a Western Arts Performer as well as a filmmaker, constantly trying to blend the two!

Associate Producer

Royce Barnes

Royce grew up in Bandera, Texas alongside director Will Fitzpatrick. From a young age the old western lifestyle drew him in. Riding horses became a pastime that later led him to working at a local dude ranch as a wrangler. Taking guests through the Texas Hill Country and playing songs around the campfire are some of his favorite activities. Later attending Texas A&M University he studied agriculture and began pursuing aerial cinematography. Throughout the making of the documentary he even picked up a few new rope tricks as he received instruction from some of the greatest ropers of all time.

Want to help support us?

Donate to The Roping Fools

We are a small independent production and any support goes a long way towards finishing the film and getting it out in to the world. Some of the perks from our IndieGoGo campaign are still available, anyone donating the below amounts will receive the same perks. These donations go towards licensing fees, legal and insurance expenses, festival entries, and a myriad of other costs associated with making a feature film.

Donate

Donation Perks

$20.00

Private Link to the Film

Before the film is released or distributed you will be sent a private link to see the finished product months before anyone else.

$45.00

Special Thanks in the Credits

This perk gets your name in the credits as a Special Thanks! In addition to this, you will also be sent a private link to film once it is complete.

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$100.00

The Roping Fools T-Shirt

This perk includes a "The Roping Fools" T-shirt! It also includes the Special Thanks in the credits, as well as the private link to film.

$200.00

Tickets to the Film Premiere

This perk grants you two tickets to a private screening before the film's release! With this perk, you also get a private link to the finished film, a Special Thanks in the credits, and a "The Roping Fools" t-shirt.

$500.00

Signed Film Poster

This perk gets you a signed film poster once the documentary is complete! Along with this, you get a private link to the film, "Special Thanks" in the credits, a "The Roping Fools" t-shirt, and 2 tickets to film screening.

$1000.00

Associate Producer Credit

This perk gives you an "Associate Producer" credit! With this, you also get a private link to the finished film, a "Special Thanks" in the credits, "The Roping Fools" t-shirt, 2 tickets to film screening, and a signed poster.

$2000.00

Sponsor on the Film

This perk gives you a "Sponsor" credit for your organization or company! With this, you also get a private link to the finished film, a "Special Thanks" in the credits, "The Roping Fools" t-shirt, 2 tickets to film screening, and a signed poster.

$4000.00

Executive Producer Credit

This perk gives you an "Executive Producer" credit! With this, you also get a private link to the finished film, a "Special Thanks" in the credits, "The Roping Fools" t-shirt, 2 tickets to film screening, and a signed poster.

CONTACT US

Want to get in touch with us to organize a screening, ask a question, or for business inquiries? Send us a message with the form here and we will get back to you as soon as possible.