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
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Interview
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.
Event Coverage
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."
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