Rise (2011)
A moving documentary tribute to the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Team, celebrating resilience, legacy, and the enduring spirit of American figure skating.
Rise - Movie Information
- Original Title: Rise
- Release Year: 2011
- Directed by: Nancy Stern Winters
- Type: Movie
- Genres: TV Movie
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 17, 2011 (United States)
Rise - Plot
Celebrates American figure skating while commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Team that perished in a plane crash on its way to the World Championships in Prague. Produced and directed by 16-time Emmy Award winners Lookalike Productions, RISE documents the sports' growth in popularity over the years and features various luminaries of American figure skating. Proceeds from RISE will be used to further the mission of U.S. Figure Skating's Memorial Fund, which was established on Feb. 23, 1961, as a living legacy of those who lost their lives. The film's Feb. 17, 2011, premiere coincides with the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.
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Rise - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nancy Stern Winters
Main Cast
- Matt Lauer
- Michelle Kwan
- Brian Boitano
- Patricia Clarkson
- Dakota Fanning
- Peggy Fleming
- Dorothy Hamill
- Scott Hamilton
Writers
- Maggie Monteith
Producers
- Nancy Stern Winters
Rise - FAQs
What is the true story behind Rise (2011)?
Rise is based on the real-life tragedy of the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Team, who died in a Sabena Airlines plane crash on February 15, 1961, near Brussels, Belgium, while traveling to the World Championships in Prague. The disaster claimed 72 lives and devastated American figure skating.
Who are the main personalities featured in Rise?
Rise features a remarkable lineup of American figure skating legends and celebrities, including Michelle Kwan, Brian Boitano, Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill, and Scott Hamilton. Patricia Clarkson and Dakota Fanning also appear, with Matt Lauer serving as host.
What is Rise (2011) about?
Rise is a documentary TV movie commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Team tragedy. It celebrates the sport's growth and resilience in the decades following the crash, honoring those lost while showcasing the enduring legacy of American figure skating through its greatest champions.
Why did the 1961 U.S. figure skating team perish?
The 1961 U.S. World Figure Skating Team perished when Sabena Flight 548 crashed near Brussels, Belgium, on February 15, 1961. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, killing all 72 people on board, including 18 members of the U.S. figure skating delegation heading to the World Championships in Prague.
When was Rise released?
Rise premiered on February 17, 2011, in the United States. The release date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Sabena plane crash that claimed the lives of the U.S. World Figure Skating Team.
Who directed Rise (2011)?
Rise was directed by Nancy Stern Winters, a 16-time Emmy Award winner working through Lookalike Productions. Winters also served as producer on the project, bringing her acclaimed documentary expertise to this tribute honoring American figure skating's most tragic and transformative chapter.
What is the Memorial Fund connected to Rise?
U.S. Figure Skating's Memorial Fund was established on February 23, 1961, as a living legacy for those who lost their lives in the Sabena crash. Proceeds from Rise were directed to this fund, supporting its mission to develop future generations of American figure skaters in honor of those who perished.
What are similar movies to Rise (2011)?
Viewers who enjoyed Rise may also appreciate Nancy & Tonya (2014), Torvill & Dean (2018), The Nutcracker: A Fantasy on Ice (1984), Champions: A Love Story (1979), and Free Skate (2022). These films similarly explore the world of competitive figure skating, its personalities, and its dramatic stories.
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