Magnolia Pictures in association with M + M Films documentary Venus and Serena is an American love story. It is the love of a father who had a dream of two young women, who just happen to be black and from the city of Compton.
The film documentary by director, producers, Maiken Baird (producer of “Client 9” and “The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer”) and Michelle Major (producer at “Good Morning America”) speaks volumes for all sports lovers of Tennis.
The movie traces the William’s sisters from childhood in the 1990’s to their rise as the first African-American tennis players, and sisters to win the Wimbledon.
Filming partner Maiken Baird brings her skills as an independent filmmaker to the project. Her well-rounded background and specialty in international and political affair bleed through in this fantastic outline of the life of African-American who were slated to excel against all odds.
Venus and Serena’s story could be compared to the trials and tribulations of any American athlete of color. Althea Gibson, Muhammed Ali and Arthur Ashe cast their foot down on racism and were able to succeed.
The challenges met by each sister, may remind you of what it must have been like for Jackie Robinson and Jack Johnson. It could possibly be that the Williams sisters may even have it harder than their predecessors who to some degree expected racism, but in 2013 a time when androids, smart phones, IPADS and public outcry can be managed from a box could very well create a feeling of pressure felt by players who are just simply Americans that like tennis.
The blatant difference between then and now is that these two young women do not live in a time wherein they cannot explore their talent. In a society that snickers, stares and who can be downright rude, one can still have access and the freedom and prestige that success offers.
When you are on top of the world, sometimes it can feel that there are no barriers. There are no quiet and ugly words whispered in the night, in the press and inside the court. Serena tells of her various personalities like Takwanda, who seem to show themselves when she is upset. Takwanda, who is one of the many, perhaps spoke to the referee that made a wrong call and Serena was fined. Each personality is named for each fleeting mood.
There is one for her down in the druthers, for her happy me, her feeling like fun and mischief, or her, I’m just being me, a regular black girl. Where else but America whom with its pride and prejudice and its constant reminder of the societal mistakes it has made can two sisters, dark bold and beautiful share their story on film.
Their struggle is an inspiration to the culture that they represent as well as sports lovers. The pride they exude and their yes we can attitude is nothing short of admirable.
The raw and often tedious techniques taught by their father and mother proved adequate for this homegrown success story. Love of the game takes precedence over dating, falling in love and having children.
Both sisters maintain close ties with both parents although the father has remarried. Sibling rivalry has been different for Venus and Serena because that rivalry took place, in real time, on the court where anger and frustration can be grunted out with speed of a yellow ball.
Extremely gifted, both young ladies have developed additional talent to fall back on as they continue to mature and come to face with leaving tennis.
Venus and Serena have set the standard for how to play the game. One has to admire and take notice of parents whom although had no experience in raising star athletes, gave birth to two.
The Venus and Serena film documentary was the official selection for the Tribeca Film festival, 2012 Toronto Film Festival, the 2013 Miami Film Festival, 2012 DOC NYC and the 2012 Bermuda Docs Film Festival.
