Documentary film a top tribute to Ali

THE next Friday at the Flicks movie will be Academy Award-winning documentary film When We Were Kings.

USQ Artsworx’ annual movie program screens classic, significant and challenging films.

A five-minute pre-screening talk sets the context and then post-show drinks and nibbles allow for a discussion about the featured film with a community of movie enthusiasts.

The film series offers a friendly group environment where film lovers can talk about the movie, over wine and canapés, pre and post movie.

Filmed primarily in 1974, When We Were Kings documents the lead-up and eventual fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, but wasn’t completed and released until 1996.

Director Leon Gast showed immense patience, having to navigate an array of legal issues and civil suits involving the fight’s financiers before being able to complete the film almost 22 years later.

Featuring footage and significant interviews from the time, the documentary emphasises the questionable ethics around the fight’s location, the relationship between Ali and locals, as well as footage from Black Woodstock, the soul music festival accompanying the fight.

Claiming the 1996 Academy Award, When We Were Kings provides insights into the life of one of the most famous boxers of all time.

Tickets cost just $15 general admission, $12 for members and are available at artsworx.com.au.