NBA lockout got you down? Don’t worry; you can still have some basketball in your life thanks to the upcoming documentary Elevate. The film focuses on four students at the SEEDS Academy in Dakar, Senegal, an institution that caters to West Africa’s most talented basketball players. In the case of Elevate‘s stars, they’re the best of the best and the school honors their talent with scholarships to United States prep schools.
The piece follows the players over the course of four years, partially in West Africa and then some in the US, and provides a look at what these incredibly tall players have to face in their effort to make it to the NBA. Even with their immense ability on the court, they’ve still got to learn English, fit in with their peers and conquer driver’s ed.
Elevate arrives at New York City’s AMC Empire 25 on October 21st, and, to get you ready for the big game, we’ve got the film’s trailer and a slew of stills to share. Check it all out below.
Aziz and Assane (l-to-r) reflect A scene from the wall of the SEEDS Academy in Dakar, Senegal Assane takes a break in a scene from ELEVATEAssane takes a break in a scene from ELEVATEAziz, Byago, Dethie, and Assane (l-to-r) in a scene from ELEVATEAssane takes a shot in a scene from ELEVATESEEDS students visiting the beach decide to improvise a workout.Students at the SEEDS Academy in Dakar, Senegal gather for one last scrimmage before the sun goes downA student is ready to get going at the SEEDS Academy in Dakar, Senegal.Aziz stands significantly taller than his fellow students on the first day of school in a scene from ELEVATEAziz stands significantly taller than his fellow students in a scene from ELEVATEA student practices at the SEEDS Academy in Dakar, SenegalAssane poses for the camera.Aziz stands significantly taller than his fellow students in a scene from ELEVATE.Byago (far left), Dethie (rear), Assane (front), and Aziz (far right) relax with a video game.
Film producer and director best known for her work in movies such as FaceTime, Trevor, and The Professor. She has worked as an online movie blogger and reporter for sites such as CinemaBlend.com, ComingSoon.net, Shockya, and MTV's Movies Blog.
