Abacus Media Rights (AMR), an Amcomri Entertainment company, has picked up sales rights to Red Bull Studios’ documentary The Moment: How Sports Changed the World, directed and produced by four-time Emmy^® Award winner Tom Jennings (Diana: In Her Own Worlds, Apollo: Missions to the Moon) of 1895 Films. 

Today, AMR announced that premium free streaming service Amazon Freevee has acquired the rights to air the unique feature documentary in the United Kingdom.  

AMR also reports initial sales to SBS (Australia) and NHK (Japan).  

Containing rare and never-before-seen archive footage, and produced without any narration or interviews, The Moment: How Sports Changed The World, tells the story in 1995, when Nelson Mandela took a huge gamble to unite a fractured country still reeling from the shadow of apartheid by uniting the nation in support of the Springbok Rugby Team. The Springbok emblem was previously seen as a dreaded symbol of the apartheid regime, but when Captain Francois Pienaar raises the Rugby World Cup above his head in triumph, the moment inspires a generation and leads to the present-day Springbok team led by Siya Kolisi – one that represents the “Rainbow Nation” dreamt of by Mandela.   

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to bring this special film to audiences and look forward to partnering with Amazon Freevee, SBS and NHK.  The story highlights the impact sports can have on individuals and a community, and we are proud it is part of our growing slate at Red Bull Studios,” said Sebastian Burkhardt, Head of Partnerships & Commercial Strategy, Red Bull Studios.  “The film shines the light on one of the most incredible moments in sports history.”

Jonathan Ford, Managing Director at AMR adds, “The Moment is a compelling example of how one man’s vision, when aligned with a sport that means so much to so many, can join opposing factions together and help to heal a fractured community, and are delighted with these important sales.”