The Challenger (film)

The Challenger is a 2015 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
The Challenger Theatrical Poster
Directed by	Kent Moran
Written by	Kent Moran
Produced by	Kent Moran Adam Hawkey Ellyette Eleni
Starring	Kent Moran Michael Clarke Duncan S. Epatha Merkerson Justin Hartley
Cinematography	Giacomo Belletti
Edited by	Kent Moran Anthony Muzzatti
Music by	Pinar Toprak
Production company	Wishing Well Pictures
Release dates	March 26, 2015 (2015-03-26) (Gasparilla International Film Festival) September 11, 2015 (2015-09-11)
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
• Michael Clarke Duncan as Duane
• S. Epatha Merkerson as Jada
• Justin Hartley as James^[5]
• Frank Watson as Terrence
• Michael Rivera as Sanchez
• Rob Morgan as Frederick
• Stan Carp as Joe
• Robert Pike Daniel as Vincent
• Lindsay Hartley as Stephanie
• Natalie Carter as Aunt Regina
• Tristan Laurence Perez as Maxwell
• Bobby Roman as Rodriguez
• Vladimir Versailles as Alvin
• Ron Denson as Dereck Taylor
• Raushanah Simmons as Laurie
• Victor Pagan as Hector
• Ernie Sabella as Frankie
• Gurdeep Singh as Cashier
• Dion Mucciacito as Dr. Vargas
• Kelvin Hale as Commentator #1
• Jason Horowitz as Commentator #2
• Peter D. Michael as Commentator #3

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

1. "Dances With Films Festival to Open With Michael Clarke Duncan's Last Movie 'The Challenger' (Exclusive)". TheWrap.
2. "Michael Clarke Duncan Will Box THE CHALLENGER With S. Epatha Merkerson". Rama's Screen.
3. Ernie Trinidad (2 June 2015). "DWF 2015: THE CHALLENGER Review". Film Pulse.
4. "Kent Moran Talks Filmmaking, Boxing, And 'The Challenger'". Monkeys Fighting Robots.
5. Ross A. Lincoln. "'The Challenger,' With Michael Clark Duncan, Gets Theatrical Release – Deadline". Deadline.
6. "Kent Moran Talks New Boxing Film 'The Challenger' Starring Michael Clarke Duncan In His Final Performance [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]". Headlines & Global News.
7. "The Challenger (I) (2015) : Awards". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2015-09-04.
8. "Festival Preview: Dances With Films 2015 Sweeps Up a Storm in Hollywood". MovieMaker Magazine.
9. "Allegro Entertainment – Kent Moran's "THE CHALLENGER" world premiere March 26". allegro-entertainment.com.
10. "'Challenger' can't quite fill 'Rocky's' shoes". palmbeachdailynews.com.

External links

• The Challenger at IMDb  
• The Challenger at Rotten Tomatoes