Check Out This Exclusive Clip from the Tribeca Film Festival's Skateboarding Documentary "The Motivation" (Video)

Watch Paul Rodriguez in action and learn why he's the "Michael Jordan" of skating.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Kicking off this Wednesday, the 12th annual Tribeca Film Festival boasts a lineup that's stacked with notable independent films of both the narrative and documentary kinds. One of the New York City festival's most intriguing docs comes from director Adam Bhala Lough, the filmmaker behind the acclaimed 2003 graffiti doc Bomb the System.

In The Motivation (premiering next Thursday, April 25, at 9:30 p.m. EST), Lough provides an all-access look into the world of professional skateboarding; more specifically, the ways in which eight of the scene's best skaters—including Paul Rodriguez, Ryan Sheckler, and Nyjah Huston—prepare to compete in Street League, the annual NYC skating competition founded by Rob Dyrdek. Backed by original music from Hot Sugar, The Motivation goes behind the ramps to show how, before any tricks are performed, the skaters must contend against domestic stresses, financial issues, and other complications caused by a life in the spotlight.

In anticipation of the film's upcoming premiere (which will be attended by Lough and skaters Sean Malto, Chris Cole, and Nyjah Huston), Complex has the world premiere of an exclusive clip that centers on Paul Rodriguez, who, in the words of Dyrdek, is "the Michael Jordan" of skating. See why by checking out the clip above, and if you live anywhere near New York City, head out to the theater next week to get a first look at The Motivation.

To purchase tickets for one of The Motivation's three screenings, visit the film's official Tribeca page.

For more information on the film itself, head over to its official website.

RELATED:The 15 Most Anticipated Movies at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival

Written by Matt Barone (@MBarone)

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