Citizen Ashe

Citizen Ashe is a gripping 2021 documentary film that sheds light on the extraordinary life and achievements of Arthur Ashe, the iconic African-American tennis player, and humanitarian. Championed for its powerful narrative and a series of compelling interviews, the film captures Ashe's unique journey from his humble beginnings to his untimely death in an inspiring and moving manner.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, one of the South's most segregated cities, Ashe's journey to becoming a global tennis icon was far from easy. He broke barriers, challenged racial discriminations, and became the first black man to win Wimbledon and the US Open, securing his place as a leading figure in tennis history.

Co-directed by renowned film-makers Rex Miller and Sam Pollard, Citizen Ashe goes beyond the remarkable sporting success of Arthur Ashe. It portrays Ashe as not only an elite sportsman but also as a dedicated activist and eloquent humanitarian who used his fame as a platform for raising awareness about the social injustices faced by African-Americans. The film masterfully tackles the themes of civil rights, racial inequality, and societal change and profiles Ashe's commitment to these issues.

The film draws on the insights and recollections of Ashe's family members, his wife Jeanne Moutoussamy, a versatile artist and photographer, his brother Johnnie Ashe, his former coach, tour players like Stan Smith and Billie Jean King, who played during the Ashe era, and various other notable figures from the tennis world. Loretta Burnette and Beth Barnes are among the various personalities who contribute to the film’s rich and diverse mosaic. These voices lend an intimate and personal perspective on Ashe's life, revealing sides of him that remained largely hidden from public view.

The co-directors have pieced together a rich tapestry of previously unseen archival footage, personal photos and letters, and modern-day interviews into an immersive cinematic experience. These materials present an unprecedented, vivid account of a man and his era—a time fraught with racial and political tensions. Thematic montages of different periods of Ashe's life, dynamic tennis action sequences interspersed, and his powerful speeches and interviews make up the visual palette of the film.

Citizen Ashe treads the path of remembrance and revelation, bringing forth myriad aspects of Ashe's life. As a young tennis prodigy nurtured by the coach Robert Johnson, his challenges in playing in a white-dominated sport and his phenomenal rise in professional tennis are beautifully showcased.

The film further illuminates Ashe’s off-field humanitarian efforts, covering his service in the U.S. military, his engagement in the Civil Rights Movement, his stand against apartheid in South Africa, and his path-breaking announcements about his heart disease and contracting HIV from a blood transfusion during heart surgery in a deeply sensitive manner. His illustrated biography is a testament to his extraordinary strength of character and unwavering moral compass, making him one of the era's most influential figures.

Citizen Ashe targets the essence of what made Arthur Ashe the man he was, painting a comprehensive portrait of an individual who was more than a successful athlete. His deep sense of responsibility and tireless fight for equality and justice reverberate through the film and leave a lasting impression.

In its essence, Citizen Ashe is a poignant exploration of one man's life and legacy. Arthur Ashe is depicted as a sports legend, an inspirational leader, a dedicated activist, and a beacon of grace and humility. The documentary presents Arthur Ashe not just as a path-breaking professional athlete, but as a man wholeheartedly dedicated to advancing the causes he believed in.

This evocative tribute to one of the sports world's brightest stars offers viewers an honest portrayal of Ashe's unwavering determination to defy societal norms and stand up for what is right. It is a testament to the power of one individual's ability to make a difference in the world.

In conclusion, Citizen Ashe is more than just a sports documentary. It serves as a powerful social commentary and tribute to an athlete who left an indelible mark both on and off the tennis court. Packed with inspiring stories, powerful imagery, and heartfelt testimonials—it is an uplifting watch and a much-needed reminder of the power of determination, resilience, and principled commitment to equality and justice.