Described by the New York Times as “deft and comprehensive,” Olympic Pride, American Prejudice explores the experiences of 18 African American Olympians who defied both Jim Crow and Adolf Hitler to win 14 medals—one quarter of the total won by the U.S. team—at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Set against the turbulent atmosphere of a racially divided America that was torn between boycotting or participating in the Third Reich’s grand event, the film follows the 16 men and two women who represented a country that considered them second class citizens. Demeaned by the German press as “auxiliaries” to the U.S. team, they were likewise snubbed upon their return home. Only the name of four-time gold medal winner Jesse Owens would be widely remembered and celebrated. This film tells the stories of the 17 other extraordinary athletes whose accomplishments would at last be honored at the White House 80 years later by President Barack Obama.

 Q & A with the film’s award-winning director and writer, Deborah Riley Draper, follows the screening. Ms. Draper’s debut film, Versailles ’73: American Runway Revolution opened New York Fashion Week in 2012. In 2016, Variety named her one of the top 10 Documakers to watch. A former advertising agency executive, Ms. Draper has earned two regional Emmys, a Gold Effie and several Addy awards.

The film is narrated and executive produced by Blair Underwood.
https://www.1936olympicsmovie.com/