The Challenger (2015 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. Additionally, The Challenger features Kent Moran, S. Epatha Merkerson and Justin Hartley.

Filming began in January 2012 in The Bronx, New York, and the film was released domestically on September 11, 2015.

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.

Production
The film was Kent Moran's directorial debut. He had previously starred in and produced Listen to Your Heart.

Filming began on January 17, 2012, in The Bronx, where the film takes place and wrapped on July 10, 2012.

Release
The film was released domestically on September 11, 2015.

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

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)
 * Placement