United Skates
Feature length film Completed 2018
Director
Tina Brown
Co-Producer
Geoffrey Boynton
Doc Society helped with
Production
Runtime: 90 minutes
When America's last standing roller rinks are threatened with closure, a community of thousands battle in a racially charged environment to save an underground subculture-- one that has remained undiscovered by the mainstream for generations, yet has given rise to some of the world's greatest musical talent.
In the style of ‘Whose Streets?’, and ‘20 Feet From Stardom’, UNITED SKATES grows out of a chorus of voices across the entire United States. At a time when our country feels painfully divided, and fly-over states often feel overlooked, the story of a community crisscrossing our nation to celebrate what unites them, is more important now than ever.
Crew
The documentary brings to the foreground a fascinating and, moreover, beautiful culture lurking in the background of other stories.
Slant Magazine
Feb. 9, 2019
This is a passion project in the best sense of the word, a movie in which the ingenuity and dedication of the filmmakers illuminate the same qualities in their subjects.
New York Times
Nov. 20, 2018
The film is more than skating, more than the intricate and beautiful motions these skaters demonstrate. It documents community and racial pride, pride that comes from not only black culture, but from black owned businesses as well.
812filmreviews
Oct. 13, 2018
This kaleidoscopically vibrant, essential-viewing survey plunges audiences into a dazzling underground scene, celebrating the endangered art form it finds there.
Variety
April 25, 2018
Makes you want to see if those old skates are still buried in the closet.
The Hollywood Reporter
April 19, 2018
Charming, informative, and a little heartbreaking.
Village Voice
April 18, 2018
Amid it all are the joyful expressions on wheels, reflective of different cities and regions.
rogercatlin.com
Feb. 18, 2019
I was hypnotised by the way the camera was capturing these people and embedding itself on the floor, swooping and swinging with as much vigour as the people its watching.
The Film Experience
Dec. 12, 2018
