Austin, Texas was one of 28 cities selected to show an early screening of the swimming film, “Pride.” Sponsored by Lionsgate Films & USA Swimming, the Feb. 27 event was held on the UT campus and emceed by 5-time Olympic Medalist and former UT-standout swimmer, Josh Davis.
"It's exciting to see a positive sports movie that centers around swimming," Davis said. "I had the pleasure of competing against the swim club portrayed in this inspirational film."
Based on true events, “Pride” tells the story of Coach Jim Ellis who has coached a swim team in inner city Philadelphia since the early 70s.
Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow, Crash, Ray) stars as the passionate Ellis who gets some help along the way from the center’s curmudgeonly janitor named Elston played by Bernie Mac (Guess Who, Bad Santa, Oceans 12).
Like “Glory Road,” racism and breaking down color barriers is an underlying theme in “Pride,” and the PDR swimmers are called upon to “find courage and strength” in themselves and with their teammates in the face of discrimination from rival coaches and swimmers.
"Pride" opens nationwide on March 23.
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