Hoop Dreams directed by Steve James,
Added: 17 Dec 2021
Contributor:
Dara Hogan
Resource type:
Audio / Video
/
Primary Source
'Hoop Dreams tells the story of two young men in Chicago who are trying to realize their dream of playing professional basketball. William Gates and Arthur Agee are forced to endure radical changes to their lives in pursuit of basketball glory. The process each young man goes through ultimately provides unique insights into race and poverty.
Gates and Agee are taken from a poor upbringing in the projects of Chicago and thrust into a competitive basketball program at one of Illinois’ premier schools. They must deal with 90-minute rides to and from school, a tough practice schedule, and academic challenges. Hoop Dreams is an in-depth look at professional sports as a golden ticket for many young people who have limited options for advancement in America.'
How it maps to the curriculum
- LCA
- English and Communications
Strand: 3. Communication in Media
Strand unit: 4. Film Studies
Suggestions for use: A very interesting documentary which looks at the intersection of race, sport, education and money in the USA. Could be interesting to look at in conjunction with the graphic novel 'Long Way Down'. Utilises interviews, archive footage and other typical features of documentary making. At 2 hrs 50 mins long it may be challenging for some viewers. Potential transdisciplinary links with Social Education and Active Leisure Studies.
