Tuckman Media is gearing up to release Appian Way Production’s latest film, ‘The Featherweight,’ which delves into the life of legendary 2x World Featherweight boxing champion Willie Pep. Directed by filmmaker Robert Kolodny, the movie made its debut at the Venice Film Festival, garnering a six-minute standing ovation and a perfect 100% review score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Set in the mid-1960s in Hartford, Connecticut, ‘The Featherweight’ follows the gripping tale of Italian-American boxer Willie Pep, portrayed by James Madio. Once the winningest fighter of all time, Pep finds himself down and out in his mid-40s, with his personal life in disarray. Determined to make a comeback, a documentary crew enters his life, capturing his journey back to the ring.
The film not only features a stellar performance by James Madio as Willie Pep but also marks the feature debut of Ruby Wolf. The talented cast includes Keir Gilchrist, Stephen Lang, Ron Livingston, Lawrence Gilliard Jr, Shari Albert, and undefeated professional featherweight boxer Bruce Carrington. Golden Ratio Films played a pivotal role in producing the picture.
Director Robert Kolodny expressed his excitement about presenting ‘The Featherweight’ to audiences, highlighting the dedication of the cast and crew in bringing the story to life. He emphasized the complex narrative of Willie Pep, portraying him as a world-class prizefighter on the brink of collapse, while also showcasing his flaws and vulnerabilities on screen.
Writer and producer Steve Loff shared his enthusiasm for finally bringing Willie Pep’s story to the big screen after years of attempts by other producers. With the most wins in boxing history, Pep’s legacy remains relatively unknown to many, and ‘The Featherweight’ aims to change that perception, solidifying his position as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Behind the Scenes
Robert Kolodny, known for his New York Emmy win and News and Documentary Emmy nomination, makes his feature directorial debut with ‘The Featherweight.’ The screenplay, penned by Steve Loff, explores the highs and lows of Willie Pep’s life, supported by producers like Bennett Elliott, Robert Greene, Asger Hussain, and Abhayanand Singh. The film boasts an impressive list of executive producers, including Steve James, Jennifer Davisson, Michael Hampton, and more.
‘The Featherweight’ promises to be a mesmerizing cinematic experience, shedding light on the remarkable journey of Willie Pep and his enduring legacy in the world of boxing. With a talented cast, riveting storyline, and a visionary director at the helm, this film is poised to captivate audiences and pay homage to a true boxing legend.