Black Ice

"History is on the ice."

2023 1h 30m EN

👍

7.3

SOLID

★7.3TMDB · 3

Documentary

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

This incisive, urgent documentary examines the history of anti-Black racism in hockey, from the segregated leagues of the 19th century to today’s NHL, where Black athletes continue to struggle against bigotry.

“History is on the ice.”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

P.K. Subban
Self
Sarah Nurse
Self
Anthony Duclair
Self
Blake Bolden
Self
Darnell Nurse
Self
Matt Dumba
Self
Willie O'Ree
Self
Akim Aliu
Self

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Hubert Davis
Languages: English
Countries: Canada

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

RUNTIME

Did you know

90 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released 3 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Hubert Davis, shot by Chris Romeike. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Simon Poole. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Eamonn O’Connor shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

CAST

Did you know

P.K. Subban and Sarah Nurse and Anthony Duclair carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "History is on the ice.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt15144270 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Hubert Davis directs. Chris Romeike behind the camera. Simon Poole scores. Eamonn O’Connor cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in Canada. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

190 minutes exactly — the "classic feature" runtime most directors aim for.
2Released 3 years ago.
3Directed by Hubert Davis, shot by Chris Romeike. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
4Original score by Simon Poole. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
5Editor Eamonn O’Connor shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
6P.K. Subban and Sarah Nurse and Anthony Duclair carry the top of the cast.
7Marketing tagline: "History is on the ice.".
8IMDB entry: tt15144270 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
9Only 3 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.
10Classified under 8 themes, including "toronto, canada", "ice hockey", "racism", "ontario, canada".

The technical file

Cinematography: Chris Romeike
Original score: Simon Poole
Editing: Eamonn O’Connor
Runtime: 90 min · 1h 30m
Status: Released
Original language: EN
Certification (US): R
IMDB: Black Ice (2023)

Also by

Hubert Davis

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

Community reviews

What people are saying

Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots2023-08-04
★ 8/10
All hockey fans should watch director Hubert Davis‘ “Black Ice,” a documentary about the role of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) players in the sport. The film will definitely make waves by exposing the unpleasant truth that many would prefer was swept under the rug, but it will also give you a deeper appreciation for the sport and the minorities who play the game. The film takes a look at the history of racism in hockey and the struggles that many players still face when they lace up their skates. It’s shocking that this is still a discussion in present day, a time that most of us would think of as being enlightened and accepting of diversity. Hockey is still a predominately white sport where there’s a culture of keeping quiet (speaking out doesn’t happen much in hockey because there are very real consequences for doing so, and it’s proven to be an ongoing and continuing problem with the game). Even now, a black player on the ice is the odd one out. Davis interviews players past and present to get their personal stories of racism that they’ve faced over their lifetimes. There are horrifying stories of teammates, coaches, and fans using the “n” word and other ethnic epithets. There’s a story of a father who recalls the other team refusing to shake his black son’s hand. Another had bananas thrown at him on the ice. It’s highly upsetting and inexcusable to learn of the shocking racist incidents many of these players faced, so much so that the film even comes with a “trigger” warning before the opening credits. Several of the stories echo with a similarity: many are immigrants who moved to Canada and, wanting to fit in with their friends and their new country, decided to take up ice hockey. Each player faced obstacles as a result of their race. It’s also upsetting how many of the racist incidents sound familiar, and all of it will make you sad and mad. The worst line uttered in the entire film comes from NHL defenseman Matt Dumba, who asserts that racism is something that is “deeply ingrained in the game.” This is 2023. Hockey needs to do better. Davis tries to tackle a bit too much here which makes the film feel overly long and repetitive, but he also includes a comprehensive overview at the BIPOC roots of the game that dates back to 1865 and the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHL). The CHL was the first professional league and is a crucial part of hockey history, yet so few even know it ever existed. “Black Ice” is an educational look at racist patterns in hockey that have existed since the sport’s inception, and it’s a rallying cry for all fans to demand change for the better.

Production companies