The acclaimed documentary “Hoop Dreams” (1994) screens on Friday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. at UCLA's Billy Wilder Theater, with an appearance by director Steve James. The screening is the west coast premiere of the film following its restoration by the UCLA Film and Television Archive and the Academy Film Archive in conjunction with the Sundance Institute.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, "Hoop Dreams" tells the story of two African American teens in Chicago, William Gates and Arthur Agee, recruited to a predominantly white high school on the strength of their basketball prowess, thereafter pursuing excellence and the tantalizing possibility of careers in the often ruthless field of professional sports. Intended as a short film, the compelling subject captivated the production team for five years, resulting in a three-hour finished work culled from 250 hours of footage, and one that enjoyed unprecedented exposure, acclaim and commercial success.
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