The film CITIZEN ASHE, about the legacy of triple Grand Slam, barrier-breaking tennis legend and global humanitarian, Arthur Ashe, will make its television premiere on CNN.  The documentary feature will debut on the eve of the 135th Wimbledon, at 9:00pm Eastern on Sunday, June 26, for broadcast exclusively in the U.S. and Canada, with limited commercial interruption.  Directed by Emmy Award-winner Rex Miller and Academy Award-nominee Sam Pollard, CITIZEN ASHE is produced by Dogwoof, Sidewinder Films, and Rexpix Media for CNN Films and HBO Max.

CITIZEN ASHE is told largely in Arthur Ashe’s own narrative voice, explaining his self-exploration and evolution on race relations, his family relationships, and pivotal decisions that shaped his life.  The film also uses rare biographical archival film, audio, and photography, as well as newsreel coverage of his amateur and professional careers.  The film features exclusive, intimate interviews with Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Johnnie Ashe; tennis legends Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Donald Dell, Charlie Pasarell, and Lenny Simpson; and activist Prof. Harry Edwards, who discuss Ashe’s life and his influence on athletes who came after him. 

CITIZEN ASHE is produced by Beth Hubbard, Rex Miller, Dogwoof CEO Anna Godas, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Steven Cantor, and Jamie Schutz.  David Acker, William Ackman, David Barden, Geralyn Dreyfous, Nina and David Fialkow, Alex Gibney, Patty Quillin, Rick Rosenthal, Regina K. Scully, Tony Tabatznik, David Ulich, Steven Ungerleider, and Mike Jackson on behalf of Get Lifted Film Co. and his partners, John Legend and Ty Stiklorius, are executive producers for the film.

During the June 26 premiere, CITIZEN ASHE, will stream live for subscribers via CNN.com and CNN mobile apps under “TV Channels.”  The film will be available on demand via CNN.com, CNN apps, and cable operator platforms beginning Monday, June 27.  While watching the film, viewers can interact with other viewers across social media platforms by using the hashtag #CitizenAshe.  CITIZEN ASHE will encore Saturday, July 2 at 9:00pm Eastern on CNN.

The world premiere of CITIZEN ASHE took place at the 2021 Telluride Film Festival, before its exhibition in theaters by Magnolia Pictures.