Hoop Dreams turns 30 as stars reflect on groundbreaking documentary

CHICAGO — Thirty Years ago, the sports documentary Hoop Dreams was released in theaters, quickly becoming a sensation. Acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert called it “one of the best films about American life I have ever seen.” The documentary follows Chicago inner-city basketball players William Gates and Arthur Agee over a five-year period, as they navigate life in some of the city’s toughest neighborhoods to pursue their basketball goals.

Gates and Agee joined WGN’s Josh Frydman in studio Friday to discuss the film’s impact on their lives and countless viewers worldwide. For the film’s 30th anniversary, Alamo Drafthouse Wrigleyville will hold a special screening Saturday, September 28 at noon. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. both Gates and Agee will be at Garfield Park to unveil a refurbished local basketball court inspired by the film. The event includes a skills clinic and is free and open to the public.

The 30th anniversary celebrations continue in November when Hoop Dreams producers Steve James and Peter Gilbert will join Agee and Gates at the 2024 Chicago Humanities Festival for an in-depth conversation Nov. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the University of Chicago Reva and David Logan Center for the Art.

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