UNFINISHED BUSINESS, a new definitive documentary about the formation and quarter-century history of the WNBA, culminating in the New York Liberty’s dramatic 2021 season, will have a theatrical release at BAM Rose Cinemas May 12– May 18, the film’s producers announced today.
The film, which premiered last year at the Tribeca Film Festival, will also be available on Amazon Prime Video beginning on May 13 and will have a special broadcast on ESPN2 on Sunday, May 14.
Now is a defining moment for the WNBA as it shifts from a fledgling league to a thriving enterprise in a world that is finally embracing its greatness. The New York Liberty began it all back in 1997, playing the first game in the new league, and in 2021 they again made history, playing their entire season for the first time at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
Moving between present-day action on the court and the many dramatic struggles across the WNBA’s quarter-century history, UNFINISHED BUSINESS is a joyful and moving exploration of the league’s relentless push towards equality in elite sport. In the beginning, icons like Teresa Weatherspoon, Rebecca Lobo, Sue Wicks, and Kym Hampton had to fight for the WNBA’s very right to exist while also delivering electric performances on the court. Today’s stars, such as Betnijah Laney, Sabrina Ionescu, and Didi Richards, offer striking parallels, fighting for social justice while still dazzling the world with their skill and athleticism. These dynamic women and their league have accomplished so much both on the court and off, and yet as they acknowledge, much remains to be done.
With unprecedented access to the WNBA archives and the New York Liberty, UNFINISHED BUSINESS highlights the many exceptional generations of players of the WNBA to tell the incredible story of twenty-five years of extraordinary talent and unmatched perseverance.
Photo: Tribeca Film FestivalUNFINISHED BUSINESS was directed by Alison Klayman (WHITE HOT, JAGGED, AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY) and produced by Klayman, Julie Goldman, Christopher Clements, Carolyn Hepburn, Nicholas Ma, and Mishka Brown. Executive Producers are Clara Wu Tsai, and Ciara and Russell Wilson on behalf of Why Not You Productions.
The film features interviews with New York Liberty athletes Teresa Weatherspoon, Rebecca Lobo, Sue Wicks, Kym Hampton, Crystal Robinson, Betnijah Laney, Sabrina Ionescu, Didi Richards, Sami Whitcomb, Michaela Onyenwere, Jazmine Jones, Swin Cash, and Natasha Howard; the founding president of the WNBA Val Ackerman, author Tamryn Spruill, musician Joan Jett, and many more.
“UNFINISHED BUSINESS is coming out at a watershed moment for the WNBA,” said the director Alison Klayman.
“It’s become a league-leading the conversation on equity in women’s sports and social justice in society at large, and the fans and investment are pouring in. This film is about a group of women who do not accept the status quo and a long tradition of players who have impacted history far beyond the realm of sport. I’m so excited to bring audiences into this thrilling and multi-layered story, and show them the WNBA the way I see it — through a lens that holds the past, present and future all at once.”
“We’re excited to bring this film to Brooklyn and then onto the entire country,” said Clara Wu Tsai, the film’s Executive Producer and owner of the New York Liberty and the Brooklyn Nets.
“This year, the NCAA women’s basketball tournament broke viewership and attendance records. In just a few weeks, the WNBA’s 2023 season begins, and the New York Liberty will showcase the best women’s basketball players in the world right here in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. In the midst of this excitement and momentum around women’s basketball, we’re thrilled to share the backstory to the game.”
UNFINISHED BUSINESS, which is 94 minutes in length, will play at the BAM Rose Cinemas from Friday, May 12, through Thursday, May 18. For showtimes and tickets, visit https://www.bam.org/film/2023/unfinished-business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS will have its broadcast premiere on ESPN2 on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14. It will also be available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video starting on Saturday, May 13, and will be available to stream for Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscribers beginning on Monday, May 15.
Featured Image: Tribeca Film Festival
