ESPN Films and espnW Announce Nine For IX Shorts Series

ESPN Films and espnW will launch a new short documentary series, Nine for IX Shorts, this July. A preview of the series, titled “Love & Payne” and directed by ESPN’s Hannah Storm, debuts today on espnW.com. The film takes a look at the legacy of golfer Payne Stewart through the eyes of his widow, Tracey.

The short film series, which will live on espnW.com, is an extension of the feature-length, Emmy-nominated, Nine for IX series that aired on ESPN last summer, focused on capturing fascinating stories of women in sports told through the lens of female filmmakers. Nine for IX Shorts will cover various sports stories including a feature on basketball star Brittney Griner, Ronda Rousey’s rise to become the #1 female MMA fighter, and a look at the driving force behind autistic basketball player Jason McElwain, now known for scoring 20 points in four minutes in his high school basketball debut: his mother, Debbie.

One short film will premiere per day beginning Monday, July 28, through Friday, August 1. Robin Roberts and Jane Rosenthal will return as executive producers of the series.

“Love & Payne” debuts on espnW.com just days before the U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst No. 2, where Payne Stewart won his third and final major championship with a dramatic putt 15 years ago.

“I have known Tracey Stewart since doing an interview with her shortly after the loss of her husband,” said “Love & Payne” director Hannah Storm. “At that time, and still today, I was struck by Tracey’s uncommon combination of both strength and support, a wife happy to be in the background of a charismatic, talented man, who would not have achieved his personal or professional success without her. As a filmmaker, I wanted to portray the relationship that helped bring Payne Stewart to his highest point of achievement and contentment, just before he was taken from this earth. ‘Love & Payne’ is, above all, a love story that resonates beyond the tragedy, beyond golf; one that I hope will touch and inspire those who watch the film. ”

Watch:

“Rowdy Ronda Rousey,” “Think Normal,” “Brittney Griner: Lifesize,” “Uncharted Waters” and “Play A Round With Me” will make their world premiere at the 2014 LA Film Festival on June 17. All Nine for IX Shorts will air back-to-back in a two-hour block on Saturday, August 2, at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Nine for IX Shorts summaries:

“Love & Payne” Directed by Hannah Storm

espnW Premiere: Wednesday, June 4

Through memories, family videos, personal photos, Tracey Stewart (Payne’s widow) will give audiences a glimpse at the story of a once in a lifetime love, a shattering loss, and the legacy of a man who, in the final year of his life, achieved his greatest professional fulfillment and personal peace. Payne Stewart’s voice will appear through archival materials, but ultimately Tracey will trace their story from that first fateful meeting, to Payne’s transformative years, to his tragic death, and ultimately his legacy as a father, champion and husband. It will be a personal, poignant, rare look at Payne Stewart and the powerful connection behind his success as a golfer and a man.

“Rowdy Ronda Rousey” Directed by the Mundo Sisters

espnW Premiere: Monday, July 28

On February 23, 2013, Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey made history by becoming UFC’s first female Bantam Weight Champion. After beating her opponent Liz Carmouche with her signature armbar, Rousey also became the #1 female MMA fighter in the world. The film will take an inside look at this record breaking fight and how Rousey is paving the way for women in the sport. We’ll learn about Rousey’s rough childhood and how it shaped her fighting career. The film will also explore the extreme physical challenges and emotional strength behind becoming the world’s greatest female fighter.

“Think Normal Directed by Nikki Reed

espnW Premiere: Tuesday, July 29

Jason McElwain’s 20 points in four minutes inspired sports fans around the world and fine-tuned the conversation surrounding people diagnosed with autism. But it was the perseverance and undeterred support of Jason’s mother, Debbie, who coached her son and provided him with the strength and confidence to step onto his high school basketball court and hit six 3-pointers, and one 2-pointer in four minutes of play. Featuring heartfelt interviews from Jason, his mother Debbie and his brother Josh, “Think Normal” is a look at what a mother sacrificed for her sons.

“Brittney Griner: Lifesize Directed by Melissa Johnson

espnW Premiere: Wednesday, July 30

This is a rite of passage story following Brittney’s inaugural season with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls. Director Melissa Johnson will collaborate with espnW’s Kate Fagen to chronicle not only Brittney’s transformation from amateur to professional but also from a celebrated kid with unlimited potential to a self-reliant adult with a deep inner capacity to make her championship dreams a reality. Blazing with authenticity, humor and irreverence, this story about the courage it takes to become everything that’s you — in the biggest, boldest way imaginable — is certain to delight and inspire.

“Uncharted Waters Directed by Tina Carbone

espnW Premiere: Thursday, July 31

In 1995, Bill Koch put together the first ever all-women America’s Cup team. Made up of top female athletes from across the country, the team made history onboard America3 and inspired fans across the country. But the team morale faltered after a series of changes were made including a new boat they weren’t use to, the replacement of a female team member with a male, and a last-minute rule change that allowed three teams to make it to the finals instead of two. In the last race of the Defender Series, the Mighty Mary lost their lead and rival Stars & Stripes beat them to the finish line.

“Play A Round With Me” Directed by Jessica Wolfson

espnW Premiere: Friday, August 1

In the 1980’s, Jan Stephenson became professional golf¹s first tabloid star, shaking up the game with her sex appeal and charismatic self-promotion. Amid intense media attention, Stephenson’s colorful and controversial life off the course often overshadowed her fierce determination to win championships. This film follows a tense year where, against all odds, Jan Stephenson tried to prove she was more just a pretty face.