My readers here in the DMV will want to pay attention to They Fight. Set to have its world premiere today at Tribeca, the film’s trailer has been released for the boxing drama starring Andre Holland, Wendell Pierce, and Samira Wiley. Based on a true story, the film stars Holland as Walt Manigan, an ex-con who seeks to get a fresh start by leading an afterschool youth boxing program in Southeast Washington, DC.
They Fight is based on the 2018 documentary by Andrew Renzi, which earned acclaim for its depiction of young men finding their way through boxing, while Walt looks for redemption of his own. Anthony B. Jenkins, Toussaint Francois Battiste and Mykelti Williamson are also in the cast. Writer/director Sheldon Candis co-wrote the script with Renzi.
In the film, Walt not only struggles with his personal demons, but he seeks to reconnect with the mother of his son, played by Wiley, who is reluctant to let him back into their lives.
“THEY FIGHT is my love letter to one of my all-time favorite directors John G. Avildsen,” said Candis in a statement. “It’s a Karate Kid inspired narrative punched in the face with a John Hughes coming-of-age story about Southeast D.C. kids fighting to dream within amateur youth boxing. André Holland plays the real life character of Walt Manigan within this documentary adaptation of a man searching to reclaim his soul.”
Disney’s Andscape will release They Fight on Hulu and Disney+ on July 17th.
