Tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams have boarded an upcoming football documentary about the historic, yet forgotten, 1971 Women’s World Cup.
The sisters will join Westbrook Studios — founded by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith — as executive producers on the feature.
The documentary is titled COPA 71 and will bring to light the magic of the World Cup in Mexico, which the Williams sisters feel passionate about, after its history was hidden away for so many years.
COPA 71 is in production after archival footage of the tournament was unearthed. It is a Dogwoof and New Black Films production, backed by Westbrook, with the Williams sisters also in the picture.
As trailblazing athletes themselves, the Williams sisters are eager to help tell the story of other role models in women’s sport.
The legacy of the women who competed at the 1971 World Cup has been left in the shadows but the tennis duo are making sure it is given the spotlight it deserves.
“Copa 71 tells the story of one of the most inspirational and significant moments in women’s sports history,” Serena told Variety.
“It’s an honour to partner with my sisters and Westbrook Studios to help bring this magical story to light, which has been buried for far too long.”
Venus echoed her sister’s thoughts, and said she couldn’t believe “this incredible story was erased from our history books.”
The Williams sisters won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together and triumphed at least twice at every major tournament. (GMS)
