THE KINGS HAVE ARRIVED. B.J. Hollars and Steve Dayton, pictured, two local filmmakers and Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® Award winners, will soon unveil their latest documentary, Kings of Kubb, to audiences across the Valley. The film will premiere at 7pm on April 30 at the Pablo Center.

Over the past year, filmmaking duo and Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® Award winners B.J. Hollars and Steve Dayton have documented the trials and camaraderie of the Chippewa Valley's internationally acclaimed U.S. National Kubb Championship.

Today, the filmmakers announced the premiere date for their documentary, Kings of Kubb – slated for release at 7pm on April 30 at the Pablo Center of the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire).

“Whether you’ve been playing kubb your entire life or never heard of it, this film’s for you,” Hollars said. “The emotions transcend the sport, revealing unexpectedly deep truths that touch us all.”

Fireside Productions, LLC has unveiled its latest Kings of Kubb documentary poster, pictured above. (Submitted photo)

Often recognized as the “Kubb Capital of North America,” Eau Claire has hosted the national championship for two decades. The annual competition continues to draw hundreds of participants –  including nationally- and internationally- recognized players, emerging talents and groups simply playing for fun.

As will be illustrated in Kings of Kubb, players – regardless of skill level – compete head-to-head to be crowned champions each summer. The documentary will spotlight four competitors over the course of many tournaments: Gregg Jochimsen, John Oman, Trevor Bailey and John Ellingsen.

The film also includes the narrative of Eric Anderson’s 20-year quest to cultivate the Nordic lawn game in the United States, the filmmakers said.

 “As the pressure mounts on the pitch, real-world stakes beyond it come sharply into focus, revealing a deeply human story of legacy, rivalry, devotion, and the fragile line between friendship and ambition,” a recent media release shared.

As co-founders of Eau Claire's Fireside Productions, LLC, Hollars and Dayton received Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® Award for their debut feature film, When Rubber Hits the Road. The documentary, which detailed the closure of the Uniroyal tire plant, also debuted at the Pablo Center back in 2024.

Tickets to the Kings of Kubb documentary premiere ($9.99/person) are available for purchase,  beginning today, through the Pablo Center's website. Get a peek into the forthcoming documentary with this teaser:

To learn more and support the Kings of Kubb documentary, visit the Fireside Production website at www.firesideproductionsllc.com.