He was separated from his siblings and, when civil war struck in 1996, forced to flee as an orphan stowaway to Tanzania. After the death of the president Mobutu, the country descended into lawlessness that claimed the lives of Future's parents. Fidel, 28, was born in Uvira in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. More than once I felt like I had been punched in the guts - and it's been a while since a book made me sob.' Weekend Australian Read More Read Lessįuture D. ' Prize Fighter is a powerful and compellingly written story that operates with little adornment. It is a testament to Fidel's craft and to the power of the human spirit.' - Books+Publishing ' Prize Fighter is a gripping read, as compelling as it is confronting. will the past ever let him free?Ī moving debut novel that packs an emotional punch based on the critically acclaimed play by Future D. His powerful left hook promises much, but the demons he is wrestling with have a power all their own. He spends his days punching away the past, punching away the demons in his mind, literally trying to punch his way to a better life. ![]() Here, the fighting skills Moise taught him when he was a boy see Isa become a talented young boxer. He brings with him papers that grant him refugee status, the hope that he can find his brother, Moise, and the scars of a brutal war. He picked up the gun and became a child soldier, forced to fight for the same forces that massacred his family.Īfter years of horror, Isa escaped, and he is given a chance of freedom when he travels to Australia. The sound of gunfire, the sharp smell of blood and the screams of his sister still echo in his head.īack then, he had a choice to make. The soldiers would be looking for his father. ![]() The town was mostly silent, like a ghost town, until the yelling started. Fidel.Īt ten years old, Isa's life in the Congolese city of Bukavu changed forever. The powerful debut novel from acclaimed playwright Future D. Now, Isa's a brilliant boxer, but his most difficult opponent isn't in the ring - it's the terrors of his past. Jem’s life was tragic and unique but highly inspirational and should take its proper place in the history of sports.A Congolese refugee getting by in the Aus tralian suburbs, Isa has a background that seems unimaginable in his new country - a childhood as a boy soldier. Writer, producer and lead Matt Hookings, said: “ This is the movie every boxing fan has been waiting for as it tells for the first time the real origins of the modern-day sport that they love. Prizefighter is an immensely exciting opportunity to realise my vision set amidst a pivotal point in England’s history.” Prizefighter marks his third feature as director.ĭirector, Daniel Graham, added: “ As a director I am fascinated with characters who find unconventional ways of doing things even if it means sowing the seed of their own destruction. Prizefighter will be directed by Daniel Graham who, most recently, wrote and directed The Obscure Life of the Grand Duke of Corsica, a black comedy starring Timothy Spall and Peter Stormare. Rivals, back-stabbing and the newly established boxing hierarchy did everything they could to thwart him but Jem is on path to cement his place in history – as a pioneer of the sport. Growing up in poverty and surrounded by brutal violence and addiction, Jem is saved by a benevolent mentor and the discipline of boxing, becoming the most exciting sportsman in all of England. ![]() Jem Belcher transformed primitive pugilism into the sport of boxing as we know it today. Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher is the inspiring, yet little known, true story of a boxer became the youngest ever world champion at the age of nineteen in 1800. Legendary British actors Steven Berkoff ( Vikings), Julian Glover ( Game of Thrones) and William Moseley ( Artemis Fowl) will also feature. They lead an international ensemble cast that includes Marton Csokas ( The Luminaries, Into the Badlands) and Jodhi May ( The Witcher, The Warrior Queen of Jhansi) with further names to be added ahead of production. He will be joined with avid boxing fan Ray Winstone ( King of Thieves, Jawbone) as Bill Warr, a keen pugilist who becomes both trainer and surrogate father to Jem. The film’s principal photography set to commence on 9th May on location in Wales with new talent Matt Hookings will star in the titular role. 0 Shares Camelot Films has announced they have added a raft of additional stars to their forthcoming feature film Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher.
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