The Trials of Muhammad Ali

No conventional sports documentary, THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI investigates its extraordinary and often complex subject's life outside the boxing ring. From joining the controversial Nation of Islam and changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, to his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War in the name of protesting racial inequality, to his global humanitarian work, Muhammad Ali remains an inspiring and controversial figure. Outspoken and passionate in his beliefs, Ali found himself in the center of America's controversies over race, religion, and war. From Kartemquin Films - makers of such acclaimed documentaries as HOOP DREAMS and THE INTERRUPTERS - and Academy Award-nominated director Bill Siegel (THE WEATHER UNDERGROUND), THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI examines how one of the most celebrated sports champions of the 20th century risked his fame and fortune to follow his faith and conscience.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
“Why another film on Muhammad Ali? Because no Ali film has deeply explored his exile years, his
spiritual transformation and his impact on the world beyond the ring. This is an intimate film weaving
artful and unseen archival footage, with contemporary interviews from firsthand sources, resulting in
an intense, focused narrative with hard-hitting relevance. THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI uses
percussive sounds of the speed bag and heavy bag to drive and punctuate the story. It has tensions
involving faith, race, duty, and identity. And when you personalize those tensions through the humanity
of Muhammad Ali, it gives them depth and definition in ways that resonate now. Ultimately, it is a
story that has at least as much to say about our society and how Ali's principles continue to challenge us
as it does about his own transformation. In many ways, he stayed true to his beliefs and identity while
the country changed around him.”
− Bill Siegel