This film was released 3rd June 2016, and is no longer screening.

The legendary Jesse Owens, one of the all-time great athletes, famed for the still unequalled feat of setting three world records and tying another in 45 minutes at a 1935 event, and for winning four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, to the horror of the watching Hitler, is the subject of this fine biopic from director Stephen Hopkins.

Beginning with Owens (Stephan James) arriving at Ohio State University, where he comes under the care of coach Larry Snyder (an impressive turn from Jason Sudeikis), the film follows his ascent to Olympic greatness, all the while struggling with family life, the racism he encountered from the white community, and the pressures placed on him by the black community.

With a supporting cast including Jeremy Irons, William Hurt, and Carice van Houten as Leni Riefenstahl, it’s a fascinating account. (Notes by Kevin Coyne.)