Watch Elevate

Elevate is a 2011 documentary that follows the journey of four young basketball players from Senegal as they attend a sports academy in the United States. The film highlights the challenges and sacrifices these individuals face in their quest to follow their dreams of becoming professional basketball players, while also shedding light on the difficulties that come with being an immigrant in a new country.

The primary focus of the film is on Amadou Gallo Fall, who is now the Vice President of the NBA's Basketball Africa League. Fall left his home in Senegal at the age of 16 to attend a basketball academy in the United States. Throughout the film, we witness his struggles both on and off the court, as he battles homesickness and cultural differences while trying to improve his game.

In addition to Fall, the film also features Dethie, a talented player who is dealing with injuries and the pressure of trying to succeed in a foreign environment. We also meet two other young men, Aziz and Byago, who are also at the academy and trying to make a name for themselves.

The film offers a unique perspective on the world of basketball that goes beyond the court. We get a glimpse into the lives of these young men as they balance their passion for the sport with the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture. The film explores themes of identity, race, and immigration, making it both a sports documentary and a commentary on contemporary issues.

One of the most compelling aspects of this film is the way it portrays the struggles these young men face. We see them dealing with injuries, homesickness, and the pressures of trying to succeed in a highly competitive environment. Their stories are both inspiring and heartbreaking, and the film does an excellent job of capturing their humanity and vulnerability.

The film also offers a glimpse into the world of elite basketball training. We see the rigorous training sessions that the players endure, as well as the intense competition they face from other talented players. Elevate gives us a taste of what it takes to make it in the world of basketball and the sacrifices that must be made if one hopes to succeed.

Throughout the film, we also get a sense of the impact that basketball has on these young men's lives. For them, basketball is not just a game but a way to escape poverty and build a better future for themselves and their families. The film does an excellent job of conveying the significance of basketball for these players and the role it plays in their lives.

One of the standout features of the film is the way it balances the personal stories of the players with the larger societal issues that they face. We see the struggles that they face as immigrants, trying to navigate a new culture and language. The film also touches on issues of race and identity, highlighting the challenges that these young men face as African immigrants in a predominantly white world. Through their stories, the film sheds light on the broader issues of immigration and racism that are relevant not just in the world of sports but in society as a whole.

In conclusion, Elevate is a documentary that offers a unique look into the world of basketball through the lens of the immigrant experience. Through the stories of these young men, the film explores the challenges and hardships of pursuing a dream while trying to navigate a new country and culture. The film is both inspiring and thought-provoking, highlighting the significance of basketball for these players and the impact that sports can have on individuals and society as a whole.

Elevate is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 67.