STARZ ACQUIRES "WITH DRAWN ARMS" DOCUMENTARY ON TOMMIE SMITH'S ICONIC 1968 OLYMPIC PROTEST

Documentary Uncovers the Legacy of Symbolic Protest and the Ongoing Struggle for Civil Liberty and Racial Equality in America

Santa Monica, Calif. - October 26, 2020 - Starz, a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), today announced the exclusive acquisition of With Drawn Arms, a compelling new documentary that uncovers the legacy of Olympian Tommie Smith who, after winning the gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics, stunned the world by thrusting his fist in the air during the playing of the national anthem in silent protest against racial inequality. The documentary is slated to air on STARZ on Monday, November 2 at 9 PM ET/PT and will be available for download or streaming via the STARZ app.

An official selection of the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, With Drawn Arms follows Smith as he looks back at the iconic moment that helped define a movement and provided a symbol of hope and solidarity for marginalized groups throughout America. The product of a long-term collaboration between Smith and the artist Glenn Kaino, With Drawn Arms traces Smith's peaceful protest to the collective action currently taking place in America, considering the historical significance of the gesture and its ever-increasing relevance 50 years later.

"This film has been in the making for eight years," said co-directors Glenn Kaino and Afshin Shahidi, a New York Times best-selling author. "We're thrilled to work with Starz to ensure that Tommie's message is heard nationwide, at such an urgent juncture in history."

Featuring interviews with prominent activists including actor Jesse Williams ("Grey's Anatomy," "Power"), sports analyst Jemele Hill, soccer gold medalist Megan Rapinoe, and the late Congressman John Lewis, With Drawn Arms is a testament to the courage of those willing to make their voices heard, no matter the cost.

With Drawn Arms is directed by Kaino and Shahidi. Oscar(R), Emmy(R) and Grammy(R) winner John Legend (Lionsgate's La La Land) and Jesse Williams serve as executive producers, alongside Academy-Award(R) winning producers Glen Zipper ("Challenger: The Final Flight") and Sean Stuart (What's My Name: Muhammed Ali).

ABOUT STARZ

Starz (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is the global media company taking the lead in streaming premium content that spotlights a spectrum of women both in front and behind the camera for audiences worldwide. Starz is home to the flagship domestic STARZ(R) service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels and the associated on-demand and online services, as well as the proprietary and highly-rated STARZ app. In 2018, Starz launched its Starzplay international premium streaming platform and, coupled with its Starz Play Arabia venture, has since expanded its global footprint into 50 countries throughout Europe, Latin America, Canada, Japan and India. The essential complement to any subscription platform, STARZ and Starzplay are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. Starz offers subscribers more than 7,500 distinct premium television episodes and feature films, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular programming.