Streaming platform Disney+ Latin America has snagged distribution rights to Chilean boxing pic “Dancing in the Ring,” penned by Oscar-winning screenwriter Gonzalo Maza (“A Fantastic Woman”) alongside Rodrigo Gijón (“Infieles”).
Directed by “My Tender Matador” helmer Rodrigo Sepulveda and currently shooting in Chile, the boxing biopic about Arturo Godoy, the legendary Chilean boxer who took on world heavyweight champ Joe Louis, stars Chile’s Marko Zaror (“John Wick: Chapter 4”) and Benjamín Vicuña (“Envious,” “Vis a Vis”) opposite former UFC champion Uriah Hall, who plays Louis, aka The Brown Bomber.
“We see the potential of this compelling story and believe it has the power to make a profound impact on the region. This is why we are fully committed to its distribution and have allocated a theatrical release so that the film gets the visibility it truly deserves,” said Pablo Sahores, director of theatrical distribution at Disney+.
Set in 1940 amid the chaos of World War II, “Dancing in the Ring” follows Godoy as he arrives in the city to challenge Louis for the heavyweight title. At the same time, Leda Urbinati (played by Fiorella Bottaioli), a talented dancer, pursues her dream of Broadway stardom. Their shared passion for ambition and dance sparks a romance, but their paths are rife with struggles and setbacks
Godoy’s career takes off after defeating Firpo and Tony Galento, earning him a shot at the title. Meanwhile, Urbinati’s dreams take flight with the help of Gabriel Meredith (Vicuña), a driven promoter whose growing bond with her sparks Godoy’s jealousy. As personal tensions threaten their relationships and goals, Godoy and Meredith must set aside their differences to fight for glory.
The film’s lead producer, Max Gandarillas, secured the rights to the book ‘Dying for My Sweet Homeland’ by Roberto Castillo, on which the biopic is based.
Vicuña, who has also served as a producer on many of his films, such as Matias Bize’s “The Memory of Water,” has also come on board as an executive producer.
Said Sepúlveda: “It’s a huge challenge to tell this epic story, in which Arturo Godoy travels to New York to fight for the world title in 1940, where dance and unbreakable friendship are his only allies. These elements make this an extraordinary and heartwarming story and film.”
Zaror, a Chilean martial artist and actor known for his impressive physique, caught the world’s attention for his performance as Chidi in “John Wick: Chapter 4.” He has also starred in such action films as Robert Rodriguez’s “Machete Kills” and “Undisputed III: Redemption.” Aside from playing the lead role of Godoy, he also doubles as the movie’s fight coordinator.
Dancing in the Ring
Credit: Isidora Melo Ramírez
