Empire Skate (2025)
A documentary journey into the heart of 1990s New York skateboarding culture and the rise of Supreme.
Empire Skate - Movie Information
- Original Title: Empire Skate
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Josh Swade
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 12, 2025
- Production Companies: ESPN Films, TIME Studios, Federal Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Empire Skate - Plot
Empire Skate chronicles the colorful rise and enduring influence of New York skateboarding culture in the 1990s, through the global phenomenon of Supreme and intimate portraits of the skaters who breathed life into that world. From the highs of breakout film success and the creation of a brand and movement to the lows of fractured families and the loss of close friends, it is a style-and-substance trip through a unique moment when multiple trends converged on one city to create something timeless.
Empire Skate - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of 1990s New York skateboarding come alive:
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Empire Skate - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Josh Swade
Main Cast
- Tony Hawk
- Alex Corporan
- Steven Cales
- Chris Keeffe
- Jeff Pang
- Mike Hernandez
- Peter Bici
- Ryan Hickey
- Alyasha Owerka-Moore
- Jeff Walls
Producers
- Jennifer Albanese
- Kate Ferraguto
- Carolyn Hepburn
- Christopher McGlynn
- Josh Swade
Empire Skate - FAQs
What is Empire Skate about?
Empire Skate is a documentary exploring the vibrant rise of New York City skateboarding culture in the 1990s, tracing the global ascent of Supreme and the personal stories of the skaters behind the movement — from creative breakthroughs and cultural milestones to personal loss and fractured relationships.
What is the connection between Empire Skate and Supreme?
Empire Skate examines how Supreme evolved from a downtown New York skate shop into a global cultural phenomenon. The film traces the brand's roots in 1990s street skateboarding, showing how a tight-knit community of skaters helped shape Supreme's identity and worldwide influence.
Who directed Empire Skate?
Empire Skate was directed by Josh Swade, who brings an intimate and deeply personal lens to the story of New York skateboarding culture and the people who defined it during the 1990s.
Who appears in Empire Skate?
The documentary features Tony Hawk, Alex Corporan, Steven Cales, Chris Keeffe, Jeff Pang, Mike Hernandez, Peter Bici, Ryan Hickey, Alyasha Owerka-Moore, Jeff Walls, Rodney Mullen, Tony Alva, and Eli Morgan Gesner, among others, all appearing as themselves.
When was Empire Skate released?
Empire Skate was released on June 12, 2025. The documentary was produced by ESPN Films, TIME Studios, and Federal Films, bringing the story of New York's 1990s skateboarding scene to a wide audience.
How long is Empire Skate?
Empire Skate has a runtime of 80 minutes, making it a focused and immersive documentary experience that covers the rise of New York skateboarding culture and the lasting legacy of Supreme without overstaying its welcome.
Is Empire Skate based on a true story?
Yes, Empire Skate is a documentary grounded entirely in real events and real people. It chronicles the authentic history of New York City's 1990s skateboarding scene, the founding and rise of Supreme, and the genuine personal journeys of the skaters who lived through that era.
What are similar documentaries to Empire Skate?
If you enjoyed Empire Skate, you might also appreciate Fully Flared (2007), Underexposed: A Women's Skateboarding Documentary (2013), American Swing (2009), and Dean's Last Ride (2025), all of which explore subcultures, counterculture movements, and the personal stories behind them.
More About Empire Skate
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