Serena and Venus Williams are set to serve as executive producers on the documentary COPA 71, which will feature the story of the 1971 women’s soccer World Cup.
The Williams sisters will work with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios on the project.
The documentary will showcase never-before-seen footage from the 1971 tournament. The World Cup, which took place in Mexico City at Azteca Stadium, attracted 100,000 spectators, along with teams from all over the world to compete. Denmark ended up winning the tournament over Mexico. It was the last women’s world cup before FIFA began its current tournament in 1991.
“Copa 71 tells the story of one of the most inspirational and significant moments in women’s sports history,” Serena Williams said, via Variety. “It’s an honor to partner with my sisters and Westbrook Studios to help bring this magical story to light, which has been buried for far too long.”
“When I heard about the 1971 Women’s World Cup, I couldn’t believe this incredible story was erased from our history books,” Venus Williams added. “I’m excited to team with my sisters and Westbrook Studios to help elevate and empower fellow female athletes and their accomplishments, and to make sure these women have their voices heard through this inspiring documentary.”
Venus Williams last played in January at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, ahead of the Australian Open. However, she withdrew from the Grand Slam tournament due to an injury.
Serena Williams’s professional tennis career is believed to be over after she announced her “evolution” away from the sport following the 2022 U.S. Open.
