International Media Call: Must-See Film Now Available - "At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal"

Unflinching documentary unpacks sexual abuse scandal

(Atlanta) – Around the Rings is joining forces with the producers of a ground-breaking film about sexual abuse in sport to encourage international media to screen the documentary.

"While ‘At the Heart of Gold’ has been viewed by many U.S. journalists, about four million North American TV viewers, and nearly two million worldwide, we believe it is important to let our international colleagues know it is available to them as well," said Publisher Sheila S. Hula.

"Unfortunately, the battle against the scourge of athlete abuse is far from over, and we think watching this film could help journalists everywhere cover this critical issue with a more informed viewpoint."

According to author and psychologist Dr. Steven Ungerleider; "The film "Heart of Gold" not only exposes the dysfunction in our criminal justice system, but allows the survivor sisters to bear witness and have their voices heard, a major first step in the healing process."

The 2019 documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2019. Purchased and debuted by HBO in May 2019, the film earned Television Academy Honors in April 2020 and a nomination for an MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Documentary.

Produced by Sidewinder Films and HBO Documentary Films, "At the Heart of Gold" encapsulates the investigation and conviction of Dr. Larry Nassar, the team doctor for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University sexually molested hundreds of female gymnasts while some officials and coaches ignored complaints.

Hula explained the company’s reasoning behind the media push.

"Amid the challenges of the pandemic, important issues affecting the athletes and Olympic sport are still ongoing, and among these is the abuse and harassment of athletes by coaches, officials or even fellow athletes," she said.

"We originally planned to share this film with international media in Tokyo this summer, but the topics it addresses are too important to wait for 2021.

"We encourage all sports journalists, as well as all of our readers and everyone in the Olympic Movement to watch ‘At The Heart Of Gold,’ starting with the promotional trailer available on YouTube and our homepage, AroundTheRings.com

Media screener details are included at the base of this press release.

Producers of the film are associated with the Foundation for Global Sports Development, a nonprofit organization that supports activities on behalf of youth sports and athlete welfare. The organization is already using this film as part of a program for sports clubs and schools in the USA to help prevent sexual assault and abuse of athletes spanning many sports.

Working media may request a confidential screener copy of "At The Heart Of Gold" by submitting an email request including the reporter’s name, affiliation and contact details to Dr. Steven Ungerleider via drsteven@stevenungerleider.com.

For more information, read the archived articles about "At The Heart Of Gold" available via AroundTheRings.com

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