The Challenger (2015 film)
The Challenger is an American sports drama film written and directed by Kent Moran and executive produced by Michael Clarke Duncan, who also co-stars in his last feature film released after his death.[1] Additionally, The Challenger features Kent Moran, S. Epatha Merkerson and Justin Hartley.[2]
The Challenger | |
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The Challenger Theatrical Poster | |
Directed by | Kent Moran |
Produced by |
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Written by | Kent Moran |
Starring | |
Music by | Pinar Toprak |
Cinematography | Giacomo Belletti |
Edited by | Kent Moran Anthony Muzzatti |
Production company | Wishing Well Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 95 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Filming began in January 2012 in The Bronx, New York, and the film was released domestically on September 11, 2015.[3][4]
Plot
With the help of legendary boxing trainer Duane Taylor (Duncan), struggling Bronx auto mechanic Jaden Miller (Moran) turns to boxing to save him and his mother (Merkerson) from living on the streets.[1]
Cast
- Kent Moran as Jaden Miller
- Michael Clarke Duncan as Duane Taylor
- S. Epatha Merkerson as Jada
- Justin Hartley as James[5]
Production
The film was Kent Moran's directorial debut. He had previously starred in and produced Listen to Your Heart.[5]
Filming began on January 17, 2012 in The Bronx, where the film takes place and wrapped on July 10, 2012.[6]
Release
The film was released domestically on September 11, 2015.[5]
Festival circuit
- Awards
- Gasparilla International Film Festival Audience Award Winner 2015
- Nashville Film Festival Audience Award Winner, 2nd Place 2015
- Nashville Film Festival Audience Award Winder, New Directors Competition 2015
- Palm Beach International Film Festival, Audience Award 2015[1][7][8][9]
- Placement
Portland Film Festival, Offshoot Film Festival, Great Cleveland Urban Film Festival, Montreal World Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, Gasparilla Film Festival, Rhode Island International Film Festival, Palm Beach International Film Festival, Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, Arizona International Film Festival, Dances with Films, Boston International Film Festival, Stony Brook Film Festival (Long Island)[7][10]
References
- "Dances With Films Festival to Open With Michael Clarke Duncan's Last Movie 'The Challenger' (Exclusive)". TheWrap.
- "Michael Clarke Duncan Will Box THE CHALLENGER With S. Epatha Merkerson". Rama's Screen.
- Ernie Trinidad (2 June 2015). "DWF 2015: THE CHALLENGER Review". Film Pulse.
- "Kent Moran Talks Filmmaking, Boxing, And 'The Challenger'". Monkeys Fighting Robots.
- Ross A. Lincoln. "'The Challenger,' With Michael Clark Duncan, Gets Theatrical Release – Deadline". Deadline.
- "Kent Moran Talks New Boxing Film 'The Challenger' Starring Michael Clarke Duncan In His Final Performance [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]". Headlines & Global News.
- "The Challenger (I) (2015) : Awards". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2015-09-04.
- "Festival Preview: Dances With Films 2015 Sweeps Up a Storm in Hollywood". MovieMaker Magazine.
- "Allegro Entertainment – Kent Moran's "THE CHALLENGER" world premiere March 26". allegro-entertainment.com.
- "'Challenger' can't quite fill 'Rocky's' shoes". palmbeachdailynews.com.