Producer

Leopold Hoesch

Director

Annebeth Jacobsen

Creative Producer

Anke Schleicher

Genre

Sport

Broadcaster

ARTE G.E.I.E.

Length

1 x 52'

Editor

Year

2019

American hero

The story of Colin Kaepernick

What happens when freedom of speech and patriotism collide?
US football star Colin Kaepernick learned the hard way.
In 2016, he became world-famous with a simple gesture.
Instead of standing up during the national anthem traditionally sung before sporting events, he knelt down - and plunged the USA into a tangible political crisis.

In the film, companions such as Kaepernick's former coach Chris Ault, athletes such as soccer star Lilian Thuram and experts such as commentator Patrick Esume have their say.
Director Annebeth Jacobsen sheds light on the scandal and traces the footballer's biography at the same time.

Kaepernick grew up as an adopted child with white parents.
He learned early on what it means to be black in a white world.
Professionally, his dream came true: as a quarterback at the top of the American professional league.
He became one of the most famous athletes in the USA - and decided to use this to make a statement against racist police violence.
In 2016, he took a knee during the anthem.
A scandal in the USA.
For some, Kaepernick was a hero - for others, a traitor to his country.
But many followed him.
"Take a Knee" became a movement - and a political issue.
Donald Trump even called for the "sons of bitches" who disrespected the flag to be "fired".
And indeed: Kaepernick became unemployed - and remains so to this day.
The economic risk of signing the polarizing quarterback is too great, it seems.
Kaepernick sacrificed his career - but by taking a knee, he secured himself a place in the history books.

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