SUGGESTED $10 DONATION
Rosecliff Lawn
548 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI
ABOUT THE FILM: Billie Jean King is a global icon whose impact on tennis and equality resonates around the world. But the personal turmoil behind this transformational figure has in many ways remained hidden from view. In GIVE ME THE BALL!, we come to understand the sacrifices King was forced to make behind the scenes, even as she fought high-profile battles for the professionalization of her sport and equal treatment for women. From struggling to escape an unhappy marriage and hiding her sexual orientation to facing an eating disorder and staring down misogyny at every turn, her march to triumph was a long and often lonely one. This is a woman whose saga cuts deeper than her victory in the “Battle of the Sexes” showdown, and the film showcases King like the persistent fighter she was forced to be. Through a trove of rarely seen archival material and powerfully honest interviews with King, this film explores the depths of agony she endured so that others might follow a less painful path. It is the story of selflessness, struggle, and triumph that shines an unforgettable light on a figure who is widely admired but, until now, never properly understood.
Photographs will be taken at this event. Images may be used by newportFILM for promotional purposes.
Please visit our 2026 newportFILM outdoors FAQ Page for more info!
| 5:00 PM : | Venue Opens |
|---|---|
| 6:10 PM: | Live Music by Minya Day with Colin Klampert |
| Pre-film Conversation: | Elizabeth Wolff (Director) |
| 7:50 PM: | Film Begins |
| Food Vendors: | Newport Sushi Co, Boru, Ben and Jerrys, Newport Chowder Company, Ja Patty, Java Jai |
| Rain Venue : | Casino Theatre (10 Freebody St, Newport); Please note that though our weekly film screenings do not require a RSVP, the back up rain venues are more limited in capacity than our outdoor venues. Please note that your RSVP does NOT guarantee a seat in the event that we move indoors due to rain. Seating is first come, first served and we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to the start of film. |
| Parking : | Limited parking will be available on site |
| Run time: | 102 min |
| Directors: | Liz Garbus, Elizabeth Wolff |
| Producers: | Liz Garbus, Elizabeth Wolff, Dominic Crossley-Holland, Dan Cogan, Chris James, Gentry Kirby |
| Executive Producers: | Jon Bardin, Tommy Coriale, Louis Mole, Isabel Davis, Jay de Andrade, Ben Lampkin, Heather Anderson, Marsha Cooke, Brian Lockhart, Burke Magnus |
| Cinematographers: | Thorsten Thielow, Tony Hardmon |