Based on true events, Pride tells the story of Jim Ellis, a charismatic schoolteacher in the 1970s who changed lives forever by founding and coaching an African-American swim team in one of Philadelphia's roughest neighborhoods.

I have personally seen Pride and cannot tell you how much it means to me to see people of color portrayed in such a positive and inspirational light. This film has so many positive messages, among them courage, team spirit, believing in yourself and your abilities and the power of your own dreams. Jim Ellis' story is a testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform lives. — Kirk Franklin

The year is 1973, and Jim Ellis, a college-educated African-American, can't find a job. Driven by his love of competitive swimming, Jim refurbishes an abandoned recreational pool in a down-at-its-heels Philadelphia neighborhood. But when the pool is marked for demolition, Jim fights back — by starting the city's first African-American swim team. Recruiting teens from the streets, Jim struggles to transform a motley team of novices into capable swimmers — all in time for the upcoming state championships. But as racism, violence and an unsympathetic city official threaten to tear the team apart, Jim must do everything he can to convince his swimmers that victory, both in and out of the pool, is within their reach. By turns comic, rousing and poignant, Pride is a triumphant story about team spirit and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. One reviewer described it as "a beautiful and uplifting story of triumph that every inner city kid in America should see".

Kevin Phillips as Andre in Pride

Those (racial tension) scenes were very uncomfortable for me. We all deal with racism or prejudice at some point in your life but, for me, it was nothing that strong. Just to really see those looks and the words they were saying, it was like ‘whoa.’ It brought chills to my body and I just brought that to the character. This was what they went through at that time. It was really uncomfortable to be in that situation but, beyond the set they were cool. They were really observant and complimentary to us. ‘You guys are doing a great job.’ We all talked with each other. After the scenes, there was nothing going on that was negative. — Kevin Phillips

Pride Reach for it with everything you've got. Two can reach higher than one. Eight will touch a miracle. There are no shortcuts to a dream. Based on true events, Pride is the inspiring story of Jim Ellis, a charismatic schoolteacher in the 1970s who changed lives forever when he founded an African-American swim team in one of Philadelphia’s roughest neighborhoods. The movie stars Terrence Howard as Ellis, Bernie Mac as Elston and Kevin Phillips as Andre, and is directed by Sunu Gonera. Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

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Coach Carter Ken Carter, a successful sporting goods store owner, accepts the job of basketball coach for his old high school in a poor area of Richmond, CA, where he was a champion athlete. As much dismayed by the poor attitudes of his players as well as their dismal play performance, Carter sets about to change both. He immediately imposes a strict regime typified in written contracts that include stipulations for respectful behavior, a dress code and good grades as requisites to being allowed to participate. The initial resistance from the boys is soon dispelled as the team under Carter's tutelage becomes a undefeated competitor in the games. However, when the overconfident team's behavior begins to stray and Carter learns that too many players are doing poorly in class, he takes immediate action. To the outrage of the team, the school and the community, Carter cancels all team activities and locks the court until the team shows acceptable academic improvement. Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

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