World Premiere
They Fight
Spotlight Narrative
Feature Narrative | United States | 98 MINUTES | EnglishDrama, Expressions of Black Freedom, Sports
Based on the 2018 documentary of the same name, They Fight is a boxing drama about Walt Manigan, a reformed ex-con determined to reintegrate into society so he can be with the mother of his toddler son. As he struggles to find his footing, his only opportunity comes from a place he had put behind him: the boxing gym. There, he coaches a motley crew of teenage boys at a local D.C. youth gym, culminating in two young best friends facing off at the National Championship.
An aspirational story about redemption and forgiveness, the film features André Holland, who gracefully embodies Walt and carries us through the emotional journey of an ex-con searching for the right way back into society. Complemented by the ever-present Wendell Pierce, the two actors play off each other seamlessly as coaches at the youth gym. Samira Wiley plays the mother of Walt's son and effortlessly establishes the conditions for his return home, while newcomers Toussaint Francois Battiste and Anthony B. Jenkins anchor the film as best friends, bringing both banter and candor to their roles.—Sue-Ellen Chitunya