History Film Forum: Muhammad Ali

The History Film Forum is a monthly online series from the Smithsonian that explores history on the screen and the evolution of film as public history.

The new documentary Muhammad Ali brings to life one of the most indelible figures of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans across the world with his mesmerizing combination of speed, grace, and power in the ring and charm and playful boasting outside of it. Written, directed, and produced by Ken Burns and Sarah Burns, the film reveals the compelling and complicated character of this American legend and why his story still resonates today.

Watch Fath Davis Ruffins, a curator at the National Museum of American History, lead an intriguing conversation with the filmmakers about the making of the documentary.

Presented by the Smithsonian Associates and Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History through generous support of Dan Manatt.