On July 9th, we launched a petition for a new documentary on Serena and Venus Williams. Thank you to all of the supporters who signed our petition in support of a new documentary on Serena and Venus Williams. We were emboldened by your early and enthusiastic support.
Serena and Venus have again electrified the tennis circuit. July 7th, Serena added her 14th major win, 5th Wimbledon singles title, and 5th Wimbledon doubles title with Venus. There is little question regarding their impact on the game of tennis. They have inspired new fans and inspired up-and-coming stars on the tennis circuit. They are two of the greatest tennis players EVER! Their story should be told. Sign Team Fenom’s petition to encourage ESPN to produce a documentary film on sisters Serena and Venus Williams.
Some supporters questioned why a new documentary was necessary. We are aware that the Williams’ careers and personal lives have been documented. However, we believe that the recent health struggles of both Williams sisters including a chronic auto immune diagnosis for Venus have fundamentally reshaped their personal lives. Additionally, recent successes such as Serena’s 5th Wimbledon title and the duo’s 5th shared Wimbledon doubles title indicate their story deserves a fresh lens.
While we are suspending our petition given other major projects, we still hope for a documentary that tells an updated story on Serena and Venus.
8 Comments
I am a bit confused, there are already documentaries on the Williams sisters, so why is another one needed? ESPN Sports Century did a feature on them many years ago. There is also Raising Tennis Aces – The Williams Story as well as ABC News Nightline On Top of the Tennis World – Venus and Serena Williams which are both available on DVD. I am sure there have been others as well. Is it that you feel these documentaries are lacking and so another one needs to be done?
Yesel, Thanks for responding! To our knowledge, there isn’t a documentary that covers the sisters most recent personal struggles. We believe the health challenges faced by Serena and Venus are have reshaped their careers and personal lives. It would be fascinating to capture how the sister’s have evolved on and off the court recently.
of course their story needs to be told. they have made not only black history, but history in the world of tennis as powerful sibling contenders. i would love to see their story told in a documentary. its educational and inspirational for girls all over the world.
Thanks for your comment Nakita! We hope an updated documentary is done on the sisters soon.
Hi!
There is a feature documentary on the Williams Sisters following their year in 2011 and also tracing their history and struggles. It’s premiering at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
Great news !!!
There is a new documentary on Venus And Serena debuting at the TIFF in Toronto. I got my ticket for Tuesday and they are screening it on Wednesday and Saturday as well. YEAHHHHH
http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/tiff/2012/venusserena
Thanks for updating us! Based on the description of this documentary, it seems the film is exactly the kind of updated and intimate portrayal that the sisters deserve. Let us know your impressions. Enjoy!
The new “Venus and Serena” documentary hits select theaters this Friday! Directors Maiken Baird and Michelle Major gained unprecedented access to the Williams sisters’ during their health struggles in 2011 and pieced together their journey from Compton to becoming tennis superstars. “Venus and Serena” is currently available via On Demand and iTunes. To view the official trailer and more visit http://www.magpictures.com/venusandserena/.
The following statement is from “Venus and Serena” directors Maiken Baird and Michelle Major:
“The amazing story of the Williams sisters needed to be told as it is a shining example of what the human spirit can achieve with belief, hard work and blind determination. Ever since Venus and Serena burst onto the scene – as two rising tennis stars in the early 90s – the world has been captivated by them. What was it about these two African-American sisters and their incredible bond that made them so special? The story of how they were able to rise above their humble beginnings to confidently take on an exclusive sport which had no place for two black girls from the ghetto, has meaning for anyone who’s ever dreamed of beating the odds. Their journey is an education and inspiration for us all.”