About Fists of Freedom: The Story of the '68 Summer Games

"Fists of Freedom: The Story of the '68 Summer Games" is a documentary film that tells the story of the controversial 1968 Summer Olympic Games held in Mexico City, where athletes attempted to use their platforms to protest racial inequality. The film was released in 1999. It provides a detailed account of the events leading up to, during, and following the games, highlighting the iconic Black Power salute by American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos.

Making / Production

This documentary was intricately produced, including a vivid display of events as they happened. Using archival footage, interviews with key participants, and commentary from historians, the filmmakers have been able to offer viewers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history.

Actors

• Matt Dillon - The Narrator: Known for his strong, engaging voice, Dillon excelled in painting a vivid picture of the happenings of the epic event.
• Tommie Smith - Himself: He portrayed the courage and charisma that he had during the actual games, giving the documentary a realistic touch.
• John Carlos - Himself: The film showcased his audacity and passion for civil rights, and how he expressed them during the Olympic games.
• Harry Edwards - Himself: As a sociologist, he provided critical insights into the events, supplementing the historical narrative.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The documentary uses actual footage from the 1968 Olympic Games.
• The Black Power salute at the games was one of the most iconic images of the 20th century.
• The documentary covers the broader global and social implications of the protest.
• It was aired on HBO in 1999, much later than the actual event.

Quotes

• "We are black and we are proud of being black. Black America will understand what we did tonight." - Tommie Smith
• "They had gone through the civil rights movement, and here they were, still being treated as second-class citizens." - Harry Edwards

Music, Soundtrack

The documentary does not have a typical full-length film soundtrack as the emphasis is on the narrative and the historical footage. However, the background score suits the tone of the documentary well, bringing the '60s era to life and powerfully underscoring the critical events.