Pride (2007 film)

Pride is a 2007 American biographical sports drama film directed by Sunu Gonera. It is based on the true story of Jim Ellis, a mathematics teacher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who starts a competitive swimming team for African-American teenagers in the 1970s.

The film stars Terrence Howard as Jim Ellis. Bernie Mac, Kimberly Elise, and Tom Arnold appear in supporting roles.

The plot follows Ellis as he transforms an abandoned recreation center into a functional swimming pool and trains a group of initially unruly youths into a disciplined and successful swim team. They face numerous obstacles, including racial prejudice, lack of funding, and skepticism from the established swimming community. Ellis pushes his team, known as the "Philadelphia Department of Recreation," or "PDR," to overcome these challenges and compete in the state championships. The film highlights themes of perseverance, teamwork, and breaking down racial barriers. While fictionalized for dramatic effect, the film aims to capture the essence of Ellis's real-life achievements and the impact he had on the lives of his swimmers. The film showcases the dedication and hard work required to achieve success against significant odds.