For years, roller-skating rinks have been a constant for African-American communities across the U.S., serving as a meeting ground, a place to have fun and an incubator of iconic hip-hop talents like Queen Latifah and N.W.A.
As America’s last standing roller rinks are threatened with closure, a community joins forces in a racially charged environment to save the underground African-American subculture of roller skating, which has been overlooked by the mainstream for generations – yet has given rise to some of the world's greatest musical talents. Read More
Follow HBO Docs on
Luvvie Ajayi sits down with camera operator Travis Johnson to talk about the dynamic subculture of roller skating and its significance in African-American communities.
The talent and community behind the documentary gather to celebrate, comparing the rinks to church.
“This kaleidoscopically vibrant, essential-viewing survey plunges audiences into a dazzling underground scene, celebrating the endangered art form it finds there.”
What Critics Are Saying
"A celebration of a vibrant black subculture that also shows how discrimination can pervade even the most harmless pastime. Highly recommended."
"Black roller skating culture is depicted with both elegiac and euphoric beauty. "
"United Skates shows dance moves that can give you chills. Let’s hope roller rinks make a comeback now that this movie is out there."
More Documentaries to Explore
Get HBO Max at No Additional Cost
If you’re a current HBO subscriber, you might already have access to HBO Max — all of HBO plus blockbuster movies, must-see series, and new Max Originals.