We Are EC: The Untold Story of East Chicago Basketball is a 2017 documentary film directed by Tim Horsburgh that explores the rich history of basketball in the Indiana city of East Chicago. The film brings together legendary figures from the basketball world, including Gregg Popovich, Pete Trgovich, and Junior Bridgeman, to highlight the unique basketball culture that has taken root in the city.
Through interviews with former players, coaches, and community members, We Are EC tells the story of how basketball became a cornerstone of life in East Chicago, a city that has faced its share of challenges over the years. The film covers the early days of the sport in the city, starting in the 1950s, when local pickup games were the norm and high school basketball was just beginning to take hold.
As the film progresses, We Are EC delves deeper into the role that basketball has played in the lives of East Chicago residents. We hear from players who went on to compete at the college and professional levels, as well as from coaches who helped shape the careers of these young athletes. Most importantly, we see how basketball served as a unifying force in a community that was deeply divided by race and economic status.
Throughout the film, the stories of individual players and teams are juxtaposed with the larger social and economic forces that have shaped life in East Chicago. We learn, for example, about the impact of the steel industry on the city's fortunes, and how the closure of local mills affected the prospects of young people in the area. We also see how the struggle for civil rights and the fight against housing discrimination played out in East Chicago, and how basketball provided a space for young people to navigate these difficult issues.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of We Are EC is the way it highlights the enduring relationships that have been forged through basketball in East Chicago. We hear from players who still get together to play pickup games and reminisce about their glory days, as well as from coaches who still keep in touch with the athletes they helped guide. The film's message is clear: basketball may have been just a game, but it has had a profound impact on the lives of those who played it in East Chicago.
Overall, We Are EC is a moving tribute to the power of basketball to bring people together and to build community. Its expertly crafted narrative, combined with stunning archival footage and modern-day interviews, make this a must-see film for anyone who loves the sport or who is interested in the role that sports can play in shaping our lives. This documentary is a heartfelt and authentic look at a community that has been inspired and unified by the passion for basketball.
We Are EC: The Untold Story of East Chicago Basketball is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes.
It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.3.
