The Playlist

Talking 'Muhammad Ali' with directors Sarah Burns and David McMahon

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Episode notes

We're back with a companion to 'Muhammad Ali', an epic 4-part documentary biography of one of the best-known men of the 20th century. Fiona is joined by Sarah Burns and David McMahon, co-directors, co-producers, and writers of the epic series which screens across SBS this month, and will stream at SBS On Demand. It's a fascinating conversation about how they and co-director Ken Burns approached the task of telling the definitive story of the three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans throughout the world with his mesmerising combination of speed, grace, and power in the ring, and charm and playful boasting outside of it. At the height of his fame, he took American life — the racial prejudices, the religious biases, the role of celebrities, the role of sports in society — and refashioned it in his own image.