Meet the Filmmaker: Bill Siegel, via Skype
Muhammad Ali was the most famous, loudest and baddest of Americans to refuse to serve during the Vietnam War. His embrace of Islam— specifically the Nation of Islam— led to his stance on the war and his journey to the Supreme Court. There is no smoothing over the complexities of Ali’s religious affiliation and acceptance of dogma in this tale of a man who spoke his mind (and could care less what people thought) and broke America’s polite contracts regarding celebrity and race. 2013, USA, 92 minutes
“In its portrayal of a hyper-confident motormouth, The Trials of Muhammad Ali leaves a clear impression. The fighter shook up America—and its assumptions about race—by being the opposite of Jackie [Robinson]: always talking, always reacting, always provoking.” – Steven Zeitchik, Los Angeles Times
Community Partners:
Parkinson’s Disease Foundation
“If you weren’t there at the time, it’s hard to believe American celebrities ever burned this bright.” – Time Out New York
“. . . a wholly illuminating look at Muhammad Ali. . . a surprisingly fresh and vivid portrait . . .” – Kevin Jagernauth, The Playlist/IndieWire
“. . . the terrific Trials is required watching.” – Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News
