Hoop Dreams

The film tells the story of two African-American teenagers, William Gates and Arthur Agee, who relentlessly pursue their dream of becoming professional basketball players amidst the challenging socioeconomic landscape of inner-city Chicago. The boys travel a cumbersome 90 minutes each way to St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois, a suburban school known for its exceptional basketball program. Balancing rigorous practice schedules with their daily struggles at home and school, William and Arthur receive unwavering support from their families as they persevere through obstacles, aspiring to make it big in the NBA. Captured over five years of filming, this powerful documentary offers an intimate look into their lives and the challenges faced by young athletes with ambitious dreams.