A Most Beautiful Thing, a documentary film that chronicles the first African American high school rowing team in the nation made up of young men from the West Side of Chicago, is set to launch exclusively on Peacock on Friday, Sept. 4.
Based on Arshay Cooper’s memoir of the same name, the powerful documentary is narrated by Academy and Grammy Award winner Common. NBA stars Grant Hill and Dwyane Wade executive produce along with Grammy Award winner and producer 9th Wonder. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker and Olympic rower Mary Mazzio.
A Most Beautiful Thing takes a deep dive into the rowing team’s backstory, examining the issues of inter-generational trauma and violence. After twenty years out of the boat, the death of a former coach brings the team back together to race once more for their sons and their community. In an extraordinary turn of events, team captain Arshay Cooper invites members of the Chicago Police Department to join their reunion team.
What happened next was unexpected for all involved.
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“Every day, Americans of color face a long list of challenges and oppression, a list too long and too painful to recite here,” said executive producer Grant Hill. “With the recent events that have transpired, it is even more meaningful to be a part of a project which shows young black men in a positive, human, and hopeful way. The protagonist of the film, Arshay Cooper, and his extension of an olive branch to members of the Chicago Police Department, moved me in deep and profound ways. He is a leader of his generation and his name will be one that soon everyone will know.”
Set to a hip-hop score, produced by 9th Wonder, the documentary features original tracks by femdot., Reuben Vincent, Ian Kelly, King Draft and Swank, with beats by E.Jones, Khrysis and Kash.
A Most Beautiful Thing is produced by 50 Eggs, Inc.
THE PUBLIC (Exclusively Streaming)
ABOUT THE FILM
NARRATED AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY
ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER
COMMON
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY
GRANT HILL
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY
DWYANE WADE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY
9TH WONDER
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY
AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR
MARY MAZZIO
