Muhammad Ali, possibly the most recognizable man on the planet, is depicted in a more intimate light than we are used to in the latest Focus Film’s production of, “I AM ALI,” coming to theaters October 10.
Director and producer, Clare
Lewins
, paints an extraordinary picture of the legendary boxer, Cassius Clay turned Muhammad Ali, told through personal audio clips, real footage and photographs, as well as exclusive interviews with the people that knew him best, including his children, brother, ex-wife, business manager, trainer, and other friends within the boxing community.
Starting from his first experience boxing at age twelve, inside a gym after his bicycle was stolen, to home videos of him in his kitchen surrounded by his family, to footage of his last match against Trevor Berbick on Dec. 11, 1981, the film covers all aspects of the love, passion, and the faith Ali had for his community, race, religion, family, and his successful career.
Ali’s boxing career has been portrayed in Hollywood films several times over with the most notable being, “When We Were Kings” and “Ali,” the 2001 film staring Will Smith. Hollywood films always show his life inside the rink, but not so much outside of it.
“You don’t hear about family that much, and what that meant to him,” said Maryum, his daughter.
“I AM ALI,” certainly portrays his family life in a way we have never seen before.
The addition of Ali’s audio journals, which he recorded to preserve memorable moments throughout his life, give us a glimpse into the life of the loving father he was, the one that was always the “good cop” next to their mother, or the one letting them have ice cream before bedtime. The sweet voices of his daughters reciting the “ABC’s” and conversing with Ali about their purpose in life are enough to make one tear up several times during the film.
The film footage within the film cover everything from interviews with the media, sessions at his training camps, his heartfelt losses and championships against competitors, and him surrounded by people that only thought of him as the greatest advocate for everything he stood for.
“I AM ALI,” is the best representation yet of who Muhammad Ali really was and still is today. In all his legendary glory, he was also a son, brother, father, husband, role model, and to some, another version of God.
“I AM ALI” opens on October 10th in Louisville at Village 8 Theater, in U.S. theaters and OnDemand. To find out more about “I AM ALI,” check out the official website
.
