The 1971 Women’s World Cup is an event that really happened, and Venus and Serena Williams want to make sure it gets the spotlight it deserves.
The tennis icons have announced they will be executive producers on the upcoming documentary ‘COPA 71,’ a feature-length movie produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios.
The film will document the mostly forgotten tournament in Mexico that drew massive crowds, including an estimated 110,000 fans for the final at the Azteca Stadium.
The six-team tournament was not affiliated with FIFA and would be the last of its kind until the first FIFA Women’s World Cup took place in 1991.
”Copa 71′ tells the story of one of the most inspirational and significant moments in women’s sports history,’ Serena Williams told Variety . ‘It’s an honor 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 Williams added: ‘When I heard about the 1971 Women’s World Cup, I couldn’t believe this incredible story was erased from our history books. I’m excited to team with my sisters and Westbrook Studios to help elevate and empower fellow female athletes and their accomplishments, and to make sure these women have their voices heard through this inspiring documentary.’
Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian are also investors in the NWSL franchise Angel City FC.