Sedona, AZ: “Facing Ali” was just named to the prestigious short list of contenders for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It is one of the top 15 documentaries of the year vying for one of the five coveted Oscar nominations in early February. The film has garnered several awards and standing ovations at festivals and special screenings across the country.
Oscar contender for Best Documentary Feature “Facing Ali” premieres in Sedona on Tuesday, Jan. 19. There will be two screenings of the film at 4 and 7 p.m., at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres. The film is being presented by the Sedona International Film Festival in this one-night-only special engagement as part of its popular Tuesday Cinema Series.
Producer Derik Murray will be in Sedona to present the film and host Q&A discussions following both screenings. Whether you are a fan of boxing or not, “Facing Ali” will touch your heart in profound ways.
“Having never been a fan of boxing, I was overwhelmingly surprised to find ‘Facing Ali’ to be absolutely mesmerizing,” said film festival program director, Sagan Lewis. “The film celebrates passion, the human need for validation, sportsmanship and — most importantly — compassion. I highly recommend this film!”
He rocked the sport, shook the world, and changed their lives. Now, several decades after they met in the ring, ten of boxing’s finest fighters tell what it was like to battle Muhammad Ali, the man many consider the “Greatest of All Time.”
Joe Frazier >>
Three-time World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali defeated almost every top fighter of the golden age of boxing. Now, through the untold stories of his opponents in the fights that defined him, experience “The Champ” like never before.
<< George Foreman
“Facing Ali” turns the cameras on some of Ali’s biggest rivals including George Chuvalo, Sir Henry Cooper, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ron Lyle, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and Ernie Terrell. All provide a fresh and impactful perspective on the famed boxer, the sport, talent and courage.
George Chuvalo >>
This brutally honest, touching and heartfelt documentary recounts Ali’s incomparable journey as seen through the eyes of those who stepped through the ropes and into history. Join these respected fighters as they weigh in on “The Greatest” and pay tribute to a living legend in this powerful and unforgettable film.
“Whatever acrimony and tension that might have naturally existed between combatants is just so much water under the bridge at this point,” said Todd McCarthy from Variety. “What remains is the tremendous respect these men feel for Ali. No doubt for each of them, fighting Ali represented a career high point; he made them part of history and they fully appreciate what it all meant.”
Film critic Leonard Maltin raves “It’s a knockout! What a compelling way to revisit Ali’s incredible career.”
Critics around the globe have declared “Facing Ali” a winner, calling it, a “must see — one of the year’s best and most inspiring documentaries. Once it starts punching, it doesn’t stop – just like Ali.” (artistdirect.com), “pays great homage to Mr. Ali” (Plume Noire) and “offers a compelling format to a well-chronicled story of an iconic figure” (Sportsandcinema.com).
The title sponsor for the event is SedonaFit. The lodging host is Amara Hotel, Restaurant and Spa. The series is also made possible by a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Sedona and the Sedona Community Foundation.
“Facing Ali” will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 or $8 for Film Sedona members, and will be available starting at 3 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only are accepted. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 1785 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite 2B, or by calling 928-282-1177. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.com.
Article courtesy of Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director.
Posted January 15, 2010.
