UNFINISHED BUSINESS
by Kathryn Loggins

Alison Klayman, USA 2022

New York City is synonymous with many iconic sports teams: The Yankees, the Knicks, the Rangers, etc. - namely, the men’s teams. UNFINISHED BUSINESS is the lesser-known story of the New York Liberty, the first team established in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 1997. Directed by Alison Klayman (THE BRINK), this documentary paints an extensive portrait of the inception of the WNBA through stunning archival footage, and interviews with some of the best players from that era including Rebecca Lobo and Teresa Weatherspoon. It also offers the audience intimate access to the 2021 Liberty team, offering fly-on-the-wall insight into the obstacles they face both on and off the court. The two timelines intertwine beautifully to show just how much the sport has grown while emphasizing the struggles the women still face today.

Women have historically had to fight more than men to prove their worth in sports and often do not get the credit they deserve, are underpaid and underfunded. UNFINISHED BUSINESS not only showcases the talent the women possess on the court, but also highlights their relentless fighting spirit for issues of women’s rights, social justice, and equality. In 2016, it was the WNBA players who were championing the Black Lives Matter movement - and getting fined for it - long before the NBA followed suit in 2020. “This film is about a group of women who do not accept the status quo, and a long tradition of players who have impacted history far beyond the realm of sport,” Klayman says in her director's statement. And while it is absolutely dazzling to see the athleticism on display in the frame, what makes the film stand out is exactly this passion for showcasing who these women are at their core and how they constantly fight to create a better future for each new generation of women. (KL)