Lusia “Lucy” Harris

Albany FilmFest Presents is thrilled to host this special online screening of the acclaimed short film THE QUEEN OF BASKETBALL, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. This film and the Q&A (below) will be available for viewing through March 31.

From director Ben Proudfoot and executive producer Shaquille O’Neal, this film is an electrifying portrait of Lusia “Lucy” Harris who scored the first basket in women’s Olympic history and was the first and only woman officially drafted into the N.B.A. Despite her incredible accomplishments, Harris, who died unexpectedly on January 18, has remained largely unknown — until now. Here, she shares her story in her own words.

After the film, we invite you to watch an the insightful Q&A (below) with the filmmakers, Shaq, and some of Lucy Harris’ family members.

Filmmaker Q&A

Graciously hosted by the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. Following the untimely passing of basketball pioneer Lucy Harris, family, filmmakers and EP Shaquille O'Neal gather for an intimate Q&A about the making and meaning of the acclaimed short documentary THE QUEEN OF BASKETBALL, moderated by Nana Adwoa Frimpong.

DIRECTOR BIO

Ben Proudfoot

A two-time Academy Award® nominated short-documentary director and entrepreneur, Ben Proudfoot is the creative force behind Breakwater Studios. The studio’s work has been recognized by the Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca, Hot Docs, The Emmys, The Webbys, James Beard Foundation, and Telluride among others. Proudfoot was named one of Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30” for his leadership and innovation in the brand-funded documentary space. He hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is a graduate of the University of Southern California. Proudfoot is an accomplished sleight-of-hand magician and has performed at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles.