On Tuesday, July 10th, 2024, the UNINTERRUPTED Film Festival launched its second annual event at the iconic NeueHouse Hollywood. This two-day festival, held just before the ESPY Awards, is a collaboration between UNINTERRUPTED, the award-winning athlete storytelling brand within The SpringHill Company (TSHC), founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, and Tribeca Enterprises, the multi-platform media entertainment company founded by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro. The festival is dedicated to celebrating athletes as storytellers, offering fans unprecedented access to some of their favorite sports figures and voices in the industry.
The first day of the festival was a spectacular start, characterized by a beautiful summer day and a star-studded audience from the worlds of TV, film, sports, and fashion. The event was a perfect prelude to the ESPY Awards, combining the excitement of sports with the artistry of filmmaking and storytelling.
Opening and Welcome
The festival opened its doors at 12:30 PM, welcoming an enthusiastic crowd eager to immerse themselves in the unique blend of sports and cinema. The atmosphere was vibrant, with attendees buzzing with anticipation for the day’s events.
State of the Game: Own Your Story
The first session, titled “State of the Game: Own Your Story,” began at 1:00 PM. This engaging panel discussion explored how athletes navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Special guests Darien Rencher, Trey Benson, and Isaiah Bond shared their insights on the opportunities and challenges athletes face in monetizing their personal brands. The discussion highlighted the complexities of NIL opportunities for young athletes and the significant brand deals for professional athletes, emphasizing the importance of athletes owning their stories and their impact on the sports industry.
Editorial Film Festival Favorites
Our editorial team was particularly impressed by “Moving Mountains” and “Equal Play.”
- Moving Mountains: This film brilliantly depicted the transition of a young Black man from Tulsa, Oklahoma, facing struggles in the United States to finding peace and purpose through surfing in Hawaii. The story of how surfing elevated his life and essentially saved him was extraordinary, capturing the essence of resilience and the transformative power of sports.
- Equal Play: An exceptional short film that spotlighted children with special needs, emphasizing the importance of sports in their daily lives and advocating for greater inclusion in school sports programs. It underscored the critical role of sports in boosting self-esteem and enhancing the overall lifestyle of children with disabilities. It also called for increased funding and support for special needs programs within educational systems globally.
State of the Game: Sheroes of Sport
At 4:00 PM, the festival presented another insightful panel titled “State of the Game: Sheroes of Sport.” This discussion focused on the future of women’s sports and the power of storytelling in advancing gender equality. Special guests included Coach Sydney Carter, Seniesa Estrada, Taliyah Brooks, Chiaka Ogbogu, and Toni Breidinger, who shared their personal experiences and insights. The panel highlighted the importance of female athletes using their platforms to carve out a space for women’s sports and inspire future generations.
World Premiere Screening: “A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery” and Q&A
The highlight of the day was the world premiere of “A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery,” held from 4:30 PM to 6:40 PM. This inspirational documentary chronicles the life and career of Renee Montgomery, the first former WNBA player to become a co-owner and executive of a WNBA team. Produced by UNINTERRUPTED and P&G Studios, and directed by Emmy Award winner Sandrine Orabona, the film offers an intimate portrait of Montgomery’s journey from growing up in West Virginia to winning national titles at the University of Connecticut and capturing two WNBA titles with the Minnesota Lynx. The documentary follows her transition from player to front office, reflecting how family and community helped shape her integrity and drive to become a game-changer in the world of sports. The screening was followed by a Q&A session with Renee Montgomery and Malika Andrews, providing deeper insights into Montgomery’s experiences and the making of the film.
Podcast P with Paul George Live Taping
The day concluded with a special live taping of “Podcast P” from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Hosted by NBA superstar Paul George, along with co-hosts Jackie Long and Dallas Rutherford, the session featured special guest Lil Dickie. The podcast offered an entertaining and intimate glimpse into the life of an NBA star, with George and his co-hosts discussing various aspects of life and basketball in an Entourage-style format.
Photo Credit: The Power Player Lifestyle photo staff: Jackie Long, Lil Dickie, Paul George and Dallas Rutherford.
Screening Room Lounge
Throughout the day, guests with day passes were invited to visit The NeueHouse Screening Room, which featured a variety of films and shows from UNINTERRUPTED and partners. Highlights included:
- The Grizzly Truth: A deep dive into the mysterious relocation of the Vancouver Grizzlies.
- UNINTERRUPTED Content: A diverse lineup featuring “Throwing Bones,” “The Game Needs You,” “Becoming More,” “The Sixth Sense,” “Echoes of the Negro League,” “Iman Amongst Men,” and more.
Key Highlights
- Diverse Film Screenings: Showcasing the voices of athletes through a variety of short films and documentaries.
- Insightful Panels: Engaging discussions on athlete branding and the future of women’s sports.
- Star-Studded Audience: A glamorous turnout from the sports, entertainment, and fashion industries.
- Exclusive Access: Fans had unprecedented opportunities to interact with their favorite athletes and creators.
The first day of the UNINTERRUPTED Film Festival was a resounding success, blending entertainment, inspiration, and community engagement. The Power Player Lifestyle team wholeheartedly supports this film festival and encourages everyone to get tickets and attend the next round of film festivals in 2025. As we look forward to the second day, the excitement continues with more impactful stories and memorable moments, solidifying the festival’s place as a must-attend event in Hollywood’s cultural calendar. Tickets are still available for the final day at www.tribecafilm.com/UNFilmFest.
Report Lela Christine
The Power Player Lifestyle Magazine