Magnolia Pictures has boarded “Citizen Ashe”, a documentary feature produced by Dogwoof for CNN Films and HBO Max.
Rex Miller and Sam Pollard will co-direct the first-person documentary that aims to take a deeper look into what Ashe endured to become a three-time major champion, and his fight against social injustices in the United States and in South Africa.
Ashe, who passed away of AIDS-related complications in 1993, became the first Black man to win the US Open, Wimbledon and the Australian Open. His victory in New York was poignantly set against the backdrop of the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement.
Our film is a first-person exploration of Arthur Ashe in his own words, describing his own origin story as a social activist. He created a unique blueprint for advancing civil rights for disenfranchised and oppressed people throughout the world, amid a tumultuous time of demonstrations and assassinations. Citizen Ashe shows a true champion’s defining moments.
Rex Miller, co-director, “Citizen Ashe”
“Citizen Ashe” will include interviews from fellow tennis legends like Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Donald Dell, Charlie Pasarell, and Lenny Simpson; and activist Prof. Harry Edwards. Ashe’s widow, Jeanne Moutousammy-Ashe, and his brother Johnnie will also appear in the film.
Sam Pollard and Rex Miller have delivered an exquisite, moving look at the life of a true iconoclast, one who forged his own path and defied stereotypes at every turn.
Eamonn Bowles, president, magnolia pictures
“Citizen Ashe” premiered to critical acclaim at Telluride Film Festival last month, where critics called it a ‘poignant tribute’ and a ‘fascinating, candid portrait of the trailblazing tennis pro.’ Already, this film has generated early awards buzz.
The film will open in theaters in New York on Dec. 3 and in Los Angeles, on Dec. 10, and stream via HBO Max. It will also premiere internationally at the BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 10.