Deep Dive: Citizen Ashe (2021)
Film Lens
Citizen Ashe is a documentary that chronicles the life and career of Arthur Ashe, who became the first African American to win the US Open in 1968. The film captures Ashe's rise to prominence in tennis alongside his evolution into a civil rights activist, particularly after the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, which motivated him to engage in political activism. The documentary features interviews with notable figures such as Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Billie Jean King, and John McEnroe, providing a multifaceted view of Ashe's impact both on and off the court.
Directed by Rex Miller and Sam Pollard, the film was produced by CNN Films and distributed by HBO Max. It premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on September 3, 2021, and had a limited release by Magnolia Pictures on December 3, 2021. The film has received positive reviews, with a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a strong reception from critics.
Why Watch
- •See Arthur Ashe's journey from tennis champion to activist.
- •Meet key figures like Billie Jean King and John McEnroe.
- •Find out how political events shaped Ashe's activism.
Did You Know
•Arthur Ashe won the US Open in 1968, becoming the first African American to do so.
•Citizen Ashe premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on September 3, 2021.
•The film features appearances from 8 notable figures, including Billie Jean King and John McEnroe.
•On Rotten Tomatoes, 97% of 32 critics' reviews are positive.
Perfect For
Tennis fansCivil rights historySports documentaries