Private Project

Because They Believed

“Because They Believed” is a 101- minute documentary containing interviews of athletic trailblazers that were the first to break through racial barriers to participate in professional sports. These are stories of forgotten male & female athletes who's perseverance and dedication changed the world of sports forever. They boldly integrated and participated in sports that were, at that time, segregated. These stories are told to inspire people of all ages, races and genders. In this documentary, we memorialize the stories of these athletes who broke barriers and opened the doors for the professional athletes of color today.

  • Steven Bernier
    Director
  • Steven Bernier, Arif Khatib, Peter Elman
    Writer
  • Arif Khatib, Steven C. Bernier
    Producer
  • Greg Bridges
    Key Cast
    "Narrator"
  • Dr. John Carlos
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Tom Flores
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Dusty Baker
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • R.C. Owens
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Billy Mills
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Raymond Chester
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Dr. Herbert Carnegie
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Rosie Bonds
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Dr. Tae Yun Kim
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Mal Whitfield
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Bill Wright
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Leland Faust
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Leigh Steinberg
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Yoshihiro Uchida
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Urla Hill
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Dr. Tommie Smith
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Don Johnson
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Dr. Harry Edwards
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 41 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    ULTRA-HD
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Altanta Movie Awards
    Atlanta, GA
    United States
    Semi-Finalist
  • New Orleans International Film Awards
    New Orleans, LA
    United States
    Semi-Finalist
  • Black August Film Festival
    Pasadina, CA
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Level Up Film Festival
    Bangalore, Karnataka
    India
    Finalist
  • International Diversity Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Top Line Distribution Showcase
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Telly Award
    New York
    United States
    Silver Telly Award
Distribution Information
  • Freestyle Digital Media
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights, Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Airline, Ship, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
Director Biography - Steven Bernier

Steven Bernier has directed short films, music videos, television commercials and created motion graphics for cable network news programs. Written scripts for and produced music videos, short films and infomercials. He is currently working with HyperMedia Arts, Inc. Movies Studios, Street Dreams Productions - Talent, Crew and Equipment to produce more films in the future.

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