Prior to its world premiere in Toronto, ESPN has acquired exclusive rights to Richard Brown and Tebogo Marope’s docusary, “Origin: A Basketball African League Story.” Bellmedia has won Canadian rights to the film. Fremantle handles global sales.
The four episodes of “Origin” records the reality of a dream. This is the story of the American National Basketball Association (NBA) promises to launch the African Basketball League (BAL), a championship with 12 teams representing countries such as Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt.
The documentary features interviews with outspoken supporters including former President of the Grammy Awards, President Grammy Obama and former BAL player J. Cole, four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry and former president of Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri.
The “Origin” is produced by Richard Brown passengers and Fremantle. The series is an executive, written and co-directed by Richard Brown (The True Detective, Outlaw King) with other executive producers such as Masai Ujiri, Akin Omotoso (The Rise), Fisher Stevens (The Beckham), and co-director Tebogo Malope (The Rise: Siya Kolisi Story). The four episodes track BAL’s first season and playoffs, exploring the possibilities of a league that will change both massive sport and socioeconomic opportunities across the continent.
Amadow Gallo Fall, president of the African Basketball League, said the sales agreement between ESPN and Bell Media will allow North American fans to “see behind the scenes the historic inauguration season of Bar and the impact the league will have on life, community and economy across the continent.”
Richard Brown highlighted how filmmaking teams were given “not just the first season of the African Basketball League itself, but also the personal journeys of competing players and coaches, and the foresighters who are building something historic.”
“To have ESPN and Bellmedia, two of North America’s most respected and widespread platforms, is really exciting to bring ‘origins’ to the audience,” the director added. “Their belief in this series ensures that this series has the visibility and impact we wanted. These are stories of ambition, competition, resilience and transformation.”
Justin Stockman, VP of Bell Media’s content development and programming, and Bell Media highlighted the series’ strong connection with “famous basketball figures from Canada and Toronto.” “We know this documentary will appeal to Crave and TSN audiences looking for compelling, engaging and inspiring content.”
“Origin” premiered on September 8th, with panel discussions with filmmakers, producers and special guests examining the league’s role in fostering transatlantic partnerships and developing African basketball talent. Speakers include Brown, Ujiri, Gallo and Bal’s first season Walter Hodge MVP, as well as two-time NBA All-star Joakim Noah.
