Tuckman Media is gearing up to release the highly anticipated film, “The Featherweight,” produced by Appian Way Productions. The movie, directed by Robert Kolodny, made its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival to rave reviews. With a six-minute standing ovation and a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is set to hit theaters in September.
Set in the mid-1960s in Hartford, Connecticut, “The Featherweight” delves into the captivating story of Italian-American boxer Willie Pep, portrayed by James Madio. Pep, a 2x World Featherweight champion, finds himself at a crossroads in his mid-40s, with his personal life in disarray. Determined to make a comeback, Pep allows a documentary crew to capture his journey back into the ring.
Apart from James Madio’s stellar performance as Willie Pep, “The Featherweight” boasts a talented ensemble cast. Ruby Wolf makes her feature debut in the film, alongside Keir Gilchrist, Stephen Lang, Ron Livingston, Lawrence Gilliard Jr, Shari Albert, and undefeated professional featherweight boxer Bruce Carrington. The film promises to showcase the highs and lows of Pep’s life in a raw and authentic manner.
Director Robert Kolodny expressed his excitement about presenting “The Featherweight” to audiences, emphasizing the dedication of the cast and crew to bring Pep’s story to life. Producer Steve Loff highlighted the significance of sharing Willie Pep’s largely untold story with the world, showcasing his legacy as one of boxing’s greatest champions.
Robert Kolodny makes his feature directorial debut with “The Featherweight,” following his previous successes in television. With a New York Emmy win and a News and Documentary Emmy Award nomination under his belt, Kolodny brings a fresh perspective to Pep’s narrative. Steve Loff, known for his work on “Desert Rain,” not only wrote the script but also produced the film alongside a talented team of producers including Bennett Elliott, Robert Greene, Asger Hussain, and Abhayanand Singh.
Executive Producers for “The Featherweight” include esteemed industry professionals such as two-time Oscar nominee Steve James, Jennifer Davisson, Michael Hampton, Brian Liebman, Mark Hantoot, Donna Collins, Angelo DeFazio, Abhay Deol, and Jay Giannone. Their collective expertise and vision have contributed to shaping the film into a poignant and memorable cinematic experience.
“The Featherweight” promises to be a gripping and emotional portrayal of Willie Pep’s extraordinary journey back into the ring. With a talented cast, dedicated crew, and a compelling narrative, the film is poised to captivate audiences and shine a light on a lesser-known chapter in boxing history. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the legacy of a true sporting legend unfold on the big screen.