Ben Spector

Gumbo Coalition

Two Black and Latinx civil rights champions join forces to fight structural racism amid a troubling resurgence of white supremacy.

The Civil War: Chavez vs. de la Hoya

For Mexican and Mexican American communities, boxing is more than a sport. From ring walk-ins to trunks, opponents take full advantage of the theatrical spectacle, narrating their histories and the stories of their individual fanbases. In 1996, Oscar De La Hoya, the charismatic golden boy from East L.A, challenged Mexican-born boxing legend Julio César Chávez in what was billed as the “ultimate glory” fight. Mexicans on both sides of the border were forced to choose their favorite champ: the record-holding immigrant from humble beginnings, or the younger and more marketable Olympian born in the U.S. These rivals felt the pressure to prove their athletic superiority, while the fans’ choice of champion revealed the type of Mexican they aspired to be.

Let's Get Merried

A hard-partying, down-on-her-luck, holiday-hater decides to get married at a Christmas-themed adventure park to a man she hasn't met.

Reversing Roe

Documentary that delves deep into the history of abortion law, revealing the contradictory ways in which women's bodies have been used to further political and ideological agendas.

The Third Man

The moment where American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their gloved hands in defiance on the podium at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics is one of the most memorable images in sports history. But there is a third man in the photo, the white Australian who finished second to Smith and ahead of Carlos in the 200 meters. His name is Peter Norman, and he stands in quiet solidarity with them. Norman’s story is retold in this film with passion and perspective.

Lady Goal

Iran midfielder Niloufar Ardalan is known in her country as "Lady Goal," but the biggest goal she scored last year wasn't in a game. She needed her husband to approve the renewal of her passport to compete in international competitions, but he refused, citing her responsibilities to their son. With justice on her side, she appealed to the courts and won not only her freedom to travel but progress for the women of Iran.

Revolution: A History of the Sports Bra

A history of this vital underclothing, from the Jogbra invented by friends Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller and Polly Smith to its biggest moment -- Brandi Chastain's triumphant reveal after the United States won the 1999 World Cup.

Son of South Sudan

Manute Bol stood tall at 7'7. But it's what he stood FOR that defined him.

Rebel on Ice

Figure skater Surya Bonaly is most remembered for her amazing one-bladed back flip at the 1998 Winter Olympics, being the only skater to ever complete one in competition at the Olympics. Despite landing the flip on one skate, the judges ruled the move illegal. Bonaly did not medal, but the champion did go out on her own terms, a true “Rebel on Ice.”

Go, Sebastien, Go!

On June 11, 2013, Sebastien de la Cruz stepped onto center court, dressed in his traditional mariachi charro suit, to sing the national anthem before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat. Sebastien’s performance ignited racial tweets and hate-filled comments, but when he returned for Game 4 to sing once again, the cheers in the stands turned from “Go Spurs Go” to “Go Sebastien Go!”

Romanian Roots

Jennifer Bricker excels in many sports, but her first love was gymnastics. Inspired by Romanian gymnast Dominique Moceanu, part of the 1996 Olympic gold-medalist team, Jennifer became a state champion and Junior Olympian in tumbling despite being born without legs. And when Jennifer turned 16, her adoptive parents revealed that Dominique Moceanu was more than just her hero.

Guys Like Us

Jim Plunkett never backed down from adversity. Despite being a major high school recruit, Plunkett’s freshman year at Stanford was a letdown, and his coach tried to replace him at quarterback. He refused to be taken out and eventually became a standout at Stanford, winning the Rose Bowl and Heisman his senior year. The start to his pro career was not very different from his turn in college, starting off slow, being traded to several teams, and eventually landing a backup position with the Raiders. It was only when the starting quarterback got injured that Plunkett was thrust into the role, and ended up leading the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories.

Queen Vee

Violet Palmer is one of the best officials in the NBA - male or female. Players, family, and her fellow zebras attest to her excellence, and game footage demonstrates her uncanny ability to maintain both control and humanity at the same time. As her mother Gussie’s favorite player, Kobe Bryant, says: She does a kick-ass job.

24-7

A group of women accountants in a firm who band together against a similar male group in order to solve a fraud case that will save their jobs.