Photo by Ky Gratton Photography
The #METOO and TIMESUP movement continue to gain recognition. Recently a prominent law enforcement official in New York City was just accused of abusing women, while he advocates for women’s rights and has publicly spoken against the sexual abuse and violence against women. The misconception about awareness is that everyone “understands” the plight of women around the globe. However, a person can’t entirely know what it’s like to suffer these atrocities unless they have personally experienced it.
This is why films, like “FIGHT,” is so important to get the message out there. Media, although excellent for reaching a large market, can often fall short on emphasizing the importance of speaking up and out. Films have a way of effecting change and channeling a sense of urgency to act, exceedingly well than any news report could. So, it’s not surprised numerous independent films and documentaries on domestic have increased.
“FIGHT!” is a feature-length film that is produced by Jarico Films. Filmed in Niagara, the movie focuses on a trio of women struggling to make life-altering decisions that they may never recover from the experience. The film is set up for the viewer to make a choice—who is the hero and who is the villain—isn’t so clear as expected.
Erica Sherwood co-produced and stars in the film, “FIGHT!” She plays a single mom, Alex Mitchell, who turns to bare-knuckle fighting to provide for her daughter. Sherwood says, “My character literally fights for her life. She’s not afraid to get in the ring and take a punch.” Sherwood and the cast spent eight weeks training to prepare for the grueling fight scenes for it to be authentic. “Learning how to fight for the film was the hardest part. We wanted it to look authentic, and sometimes that meant taking a real hit,” says Sherwood.
Sherwood was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario. She created a film that can resonate with all women. Director Jason Lupish and Sherwood even threw out the original script days before shooting was set to begin. Lupish stated, “Ninety percent of the dialogue was written on set by myself and the actors just moments before rolling the camera. He added, “It was an experiment in true storytelling, an experiment in art, and we succeeded.”
THE CAUSE: FIGHT! will premiere at an exclusive gala screening in at St. Catharines on June 22, 2018, with a VIP dinner and red carpet. All of the profits are going towards supporting youth across Niagara. Jarico Films For Youth is a not-for-profit film production company that produces films in collaboration with Niagara’s youth. It offers real-life skills and work experience for youth facing barriers to employment. Through filmmaking, participants gain the experience and confidence for long-term employment. “All of this is to fulfill our mission of creating more jobs through building a sustainable film industry right here in Niagara. The future Sarah Polley’s and Steven Spielberg’s may be living right here in our own backyard,” added Lupish.
“FIGHT!” is currently under consideration for global film festivals. Tickets to the gala are $45 for a regular ticket or $250 for VIP access. VIP access includes an exclusive dinner at Market Square in downtown St. Catharines, prepared by Chef Eric Peacock (Wellington Court), in addition to a red carpet access and premium seating.
For additional information, visit www.fightfilm.ca/redcarpet or call (905) 246-9418.
WHAT: FIGHT! World premiere/Red Carpet Gala
WHEN: Friday, June 22, 2018, 8:00 PM.
WHERE: First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines, ON
WHO: Interview Opportunity with Jason Lupish, Erica Sherwood, and cast
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Connect with “FIGHT!”:
Instagram: @fightfilm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fightfilm
Website: http://www.fightfilm.ca
Twitter: @fightfilmca
Headshot credit: Jason Lupish.
All other pictures are Ky Gratton Photography
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