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McDonald's, Focus Features to bring Jesse Owens biopic, 'Race,' screenings to 5 cities

Beginning Feb. 16, McDonald's will bring exclusive preview screenings of Focus Features' "Race," a movie about gold medal champion Jesse Owens, to five theaters across the country.

February 12, 2016

Beginning Feb. 16, McDonald's will bring exclusive preview screenings of Focus Features' "Race," a movie about gold medal champion Jesse Owens, to five theaters across the country. In conjunction with local McDonald's franchisees and community partners, the movie will receive exclusive screenings in Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and Miami, according to a company press release.

Based on the true story of Owens, the legendary athlete who goes on a quest to become the greatest track and field competitor in history and thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, "Race" is a film about courage, determination, tolerance and friendship, and an inspiring drama about one man's fight to become an Olympic legend, the release stated. It stars actor Stephan James as Jesse Owens, and will be released nationwide by Focus Features on Feb. 19.

"'Race' is an amazing portrayal of the courage, tenacity and achievement that exist in African American communities throughout this country," said William Rhodes, marketing director, McDonald's USA. ''We are proud to provide viewing opportunities of this inspiring film."

In addition to the screening, McDonald's is giving more than 70,000 customers a special-edition "Race" 12-month "I Am Jesse Owens" mural calendar. Focus Features selected community organizations and youth educational programs in 12 markets to create a mural honoring the legacy of Owens. The mural efforts provided an opportunity for the youth to learn about the legendary Olympic gold medalist. Calendars will be available in participating restaurants, where the film is being screened in addition to Chicago and Houston, beginning the week of Feb. 15.

"We are excited that McDonald's has made a collage calendar of all the wonderful 'Race' murals that were created in celebration of our dad's legacy," said two of Owens' daughters, Marlene Owens Rankin and Gloria Owens Hemphill.

McDonald's is partnering with Focus Features and its movie "Race" in its 365Black initiative. McDonald's 365Black platform was created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round, the release stated.