King's Unvarnished Story: A New Documentary

A new documentary, "Give Me the Ball," is set to debut at the Sundance Film Festival, offering an in-depth portrayal of tennis icon Billie Jean King's life.

Directors Liz Garbus and Elizabeth Wolff utilized candid interviews with King and extensive archival footage to chronicle her journey and achievements. King expressed a desire for a definitive documentary, stating, "I'll be gone soon, and this way people can see me, hear me in my own voice." This motivation fueled the project's creation.

The filmmakers chose to frame the narrative around 1973, a significant year marked by King's triumphs and her participation in the "Battle of the Sexes." This period is highlighted as the apex of the women's movement, with King being a prominent public figure.

"Give Me the Ball" delves into King's relentless optimism and her role as a warrior for equality, exploring the personal costs of her public battles. The documentary aims to share profound life lessons from King directly with the audience, making her story relatable and inspiring.

Beyond the "Battle of the Sexes," the film also touches upon King's personal journey, including her relationship with Ilana, self-acceptance, and her past struggles with an eating disorder. The filmmakers emphasized the importance of understanding the history of women's sports and the long road to progress.

The documentary, an ESPN 30 for 30 production, is produced by Ridley Scott Associates and Story Syndicate, in association with Elton John's Rocket Sports. A premiere date later this year will be announced.