"VAN" (Sports Desk - 21.04.2026) :: A literal Hall of Fame audience attended the world premiere of “The World on Our Shoulders” documentary film in the German capital Berlin.
“The World on Our Shoulders” is a compelling documentary that delves into the dynamic and inspiring history of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, spanning from its inception in 1953 to the upcoming tournament that will take place in Berlin from September 4-13, 2026.
The documentary uses archival footage, and interviews with legendary players and coaches as well as sports historians, to explore the triumphs, struggles, and breakthrough moments that shaped the competition.
Two of the living legends featured in the film, former World Cup winners Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson, were in attendance and took questions from the audience after the premiere.
Bird, who is also the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Global Ambassador, headlined the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees in attendance that included Celine Dumerc, Clarisse Machanguana, Dirk Nowitzki, Hedo Turkoglu and Wang Zhizhi.
FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, the FIBA Central Board members and representatives of all 16 National Federations that will take part in September’s World Cup also attended the premiere, together with representatives of Berlin’s political and artistic community.
The first-hand personal accounts in “The World on Our Shoulders” gave viewers the sensation of experiencing the key moments of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cups, from its first editions in the 1950s to the present day.
“This documentary is indeed a historical film, but it is by no means intended to be melancholic,” said the film’s scriptwriter and director, Fabrice Castanier.
“It will not merely recount past anecdotes or uplifting stories. Instead, it aims to provide a long-term analysis, showing a parallel evolution between women's emancipation in society and the increasingly significant role of women's basketball.
“It will illustrate the connections between these two phenomena. It is also a film that looks to the present and focuses on the future. The story is not over," Castanier added.
“The World on Our Shoulders” was developed and produced by FIBA Media, the strategic partnership between FIBA and DAZN.
The documentary is one of many original content pieces that will be made available to broadcasters as part of an extensive catalogue of content for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026.
Monday’s premiere lifted the curtain on a sequence of important events in Berlin, continuing on Tuesday with the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Draw, the FIBA Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the FIBA Central Board session.
Both the Draw and the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 induction ceremony will be livestreamed on the FIBA YouTube channel.
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