Briarcliff Entertainment has released the first trailer for the upcoming drama filmSweetwater.The film will depict the inspiring true story ofNat ‘Sweetwater’ Clifton,the first African-American to sign an NBA contract.
The trailer depicts Clifton (Everett Osborne) as he begins his career in the late 1940s as the star of the barnstorming basketball club the Harlem Globetrotters. With the support of the Globetrotters, Clifton is approached by the coach of the New York Knicks,Joe Lapchick (Jeremy Piven), who wants to invite him to play for his club. However, Clifton reminds Lapchick that there are no African-Americans playing in the NBA. However, Lapchick tells Clifton that “it’s not going to be like that forever,” adding that the “NBA champs got their asses kicked” by an all-Black team.
As the trailer continues, those around Clifton, are adimant that he belongs with the Knicks, saying that he “knows the game better than anyone.” He is especially helped by Lapchick, who says that he “wants to fight” to get Clifton in the NBA. The trailer shows the trials and tribulations that Clifton goes through after he eventually signs with the Knicks, including from a prejudiced swath of the country that does not want him to play in the NBA. As Clifton says, though, his career is “about being true to the game of basketball.”
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In addition to Osborne and Piven,Sweetwaterfeatures an ensemble cast portraying historical figures. This includes veteran actors such asCary Elwes, Kevin Pollack,andRobert Ri’chard, andRichard Dreyfuss,the latter of whom portrays the supportive NBA PresidentMaurice Podoloff. In addition, the film will feature cameos fromGary Clark Jr.as well as current Milwaukee Bucks playerBobby Portis Jr.
Speaking during the film’s acquisition by Briarcliff, Osborne toldVarietythat it was “an incredible honor to be a part of a film that shines the light on the untold journey of one of the greatest trailblazers in history. Higher truth exists beyond the surface,Sweetwtaerconfronted us all and inspired us to reach a deeper level of humanity.”
Sweetwateris directed byMartin Guigui,who also helmed the film’s screenplay. The film is produced byTim Moore, Josi Konski, Dahlia Waingort Guiguiof Sunset Pictures, andDarren Moormanof Reserve Entertainment. The film’s executive producers includeScott Pomeroy, Mike Durden, Scott Helms, Craig Cheek, Tom Ortenberg, and Pasaca Entertainment.
Since its creation in 2018, Briarcliff has released films such as theLiam NeesonthrillerThe MarksmanandMichael Moore’sdocumentaryFahrenheit 9/11Neeson returned to the studio to topline his 100th film, thecrime thrillerMarlowe,which is currently in theaters.
Sweetwaterwill be released by Briafcliff on July 24, 2025. The film’s new trailer can be seen below:
