The lyrical and emotional journey charting the extraordinary life of tennis hall of famer, sneaker icon and humanitarian Stan Smith will begin its US run with red carpet premieres at Los Angeles’ Nuart Theater on May 3 and New York City’s Angelika Film Center on May 10, bringing the film to 50 markets throughout the month of May following Los Angeles and New York, including Washington D.C., Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, San Diego, Honolulu, Arlington, San Francisco, Newport, Columbus, St. Louis, Scottsdale, Cambridge, Indianapolis, Annapolis, Eugene, Frankfort, Royal Oak, Canton, Hartford, Novi, Plymouth, Hilton Head Island, and many more.
Trailer:
Executive produced by LeBron James(“Hustle,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy”),Maverick Carter(“Hustle,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy”),Jamal Henderson (“Hustle,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy”),Alexandra Dell (“Arthur Ashe,” “Lace Up: The Ultimate Sneaker Challenge”), and Donald Dell(“Tennis Our Way,” “Citizen Ashe”),and directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Danny Lee (“30 for 30: Friedman’s Shoes”, “The Express Way”, and Hulu’s “Defining Moments”), the film tells the story of the groundbreaking athlete who went from being one of the world’s greatest tennis stars, to a leading civil rights and AIDS activist, blazing a trail along the way with his namesake Adidas sneakers – the iconic shoe that has become a fashion statement for hip hop musicians and celebrities for more than 50 years. The film features extensive interviews with Stan Smith, his family, and many of the world’s most famous athletes and celebrities including John McEnroe, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Donald Dell.
“It was a privilege to tell Stan’s story alongside such incredible partners at UNINTERRUPTED. Stan’s story proves that in the end, it’s not the merit of your accomplishments that matter as much of the merit of your character. That’s the ultimate legacy”shares filmmakerDanny Lee.
Produced byUNINTERRUPTED,the award-winning athlete storytelling brand withinThe SpringHill Company (TSHC)and in association withCALICO “Who Is Stan Smith?”is set to open in more than 50 markets in May through distributorsMonkey Wrench Films –the independent film distribution companyhelmed by filmmakerTom Putnam(“The Dark Divide,” “Burn”), andHenry C. Lystad (“Full Circle”, “Torn”).
“Stan Smith is the epitome of ‘More Than An Athlete’, and we are so excited to partner with Monkey Wrench Films to tell his incredible story to a whole new generation,” saidJamal Henderson, Chief Content OfficerofThe SpringHill Company.
More than the namesake of one of the most iconic sneakers,Stan Smithhas lived a champion’s life on and off the tennis court. Chronicling his rise from collegiate superstar to World No.1 and beyond, Smithblazed new paths for athletes, both as a fashion icon and a humanitarian. Complete with intimate first-person accounts and dynamic archival materials,”Who Is Stan Smith?” is a powerful and inspiring portrait of the man behind the shoe that became a movement.
“Few legends have been true game changers across so many fields – tennis, shoes, pop culture, activism. It’s an honor to help share Stan Smith’s story with audiences.” states Henry C. Lystad, CEO of Monkey Wrench Films.
“Who Is Stan Smith?” highlights Smith’s tennis accomplishments and covers his humanitarian feats off the tennis court and how Smith’s relationship with Arthur Ashe heavily inspired his anti-racist activism, followed by his relationship with Black tennis player, Mark Mathabane, whom Smith helped escape from apartheid in South Africa.
“Who Is Stan Smith?”is directed by Danny Lee(“30 for 30: Friedman’s Shoes”, “The Express Way”, and Hulu’s “Defining Moments”); and executive produced by LeBron James (“Hustle,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy”), Maverick Carter(“Hustle,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy”), Jamal Henderson (“Hustle,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy”), Alexandra Dell (“Arthur Ashe,” “Lace Up: The Ultimate Sneaker Challenge”), and Donald Dell (“Tennis Our Way,” “Citizen Ashe”); co-executive produced by Camille Maratchi (“Fate of a Sport,” “The Shop”); produced by Philip Byron (“The Redeem Team,” “Dreamland: the Burning of Black Wall Street”),Rebecca Halpern (“American Greed,” “Helter Skelter: An America Myth”) and Danny Lee ; archival producers Ruby Lanet (“Water Rises,” “Open Wide”), and Vanessa Maruskin (“Vice,” “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men”); supervising producer Blake Bruns (“Facing Nolan,” “The 2010’s”); and associate producer Matt Pare(“After Jackie,” “The 5th Quarter”); cinematography by David J. Myrick (“Bullet Train,” “Rumble Through the Dark”); with original music by Cyrus Melchor(“LFG,” “CSI: NY”); and edited by Kelsey Sante (“Broken Hearts,” “Deer In The Headlight”) and Todd Schroeder (“Married to Medicine,” Married at First Sight”).
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