Here we are, just one week away from the Academy Awards and I wanted to take a minute to talk about a nominated documentary that is absolutely amazing. I had the amazing opportunity to screen Undefeated this weekend, and it does not disappoint.
Undefeated follows the Manassas Tigers football team, in West Memphis Tennessee, throughout one amazingly unforgettable football season. Their volunteer coach Bill Courtney has spent six years giving his everything, (quite literally) to this team of inner city kids. Throughout the film we witness the struggles and difficulties that these boys face every day along with the strengths that Coach Courtney tries to pull out of them as men, through the game of football. While he is their sports coach, his heart is for the hearts of these boys. He wants to teach them how to strive, fight and succeed for more than the lives they are facing. Hoping the metaphor of football and the moments in their journey will show them that they can do anything, if they work hard, and sharpen their characters in the process- Courtney makes the Manassas Tigers the center of his life.
This is a beautiful story about so many things. An incredible story about doing more, and being more, with a heart for others. This is a story about the courage it takes to journey forward to better our circumstances. This is a gripping tale about a youth and area far more gritty and horrifying that I can comprehend.
Mostly though, this is a moving glimpse of lives saved and changing- and how that process truly does affect everyone and sometimes- being the one to reach someone in need- comes at a great price…
Come Oscar night I will emphatically root for this film. Most recently Sean Combs (P. Diddy) jumped on board to promote this film. It’s gritty and raw, honest, moving and truly an extraordinary must see…
Rainy Day in May... 