Sheldon Candis Talks Boxing, Redemption, and the Power of Sports

NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe sat down with director Sheldon Candis to discuss his new movie, ‘They Fight,’ a powerful and emotional true story about a former convict who finds purpose in teaching kids to box.

Sheldon Candis, a seasoned director known for his work on ‘Baltimore Rising: The Freddie Gray Uprisings,’ has once again tackled a thought-provoking and timely subject with his new film. ‘They Fight’ is based on the true story of a former convict who, after serving time, becomes a boxing coach for kids in his community.

The movie delves into the complexities of redemption, exploring the ways in which sports can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and healing. Through the eyes of the protagonist, we witness the transformative power of boxing, not just as a physical activity, but as a means of building self-esteem, discipline, and a sense of purpose.

A Conversation with Sheldon Candis

Ayesha Rascoe: Sheldon, thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind ‘They Fight’?

Sheldon Candis: Thank you, Ayesha. The idea for this film came from a true story I stumbled upon while researching a different project. I was struck by the resilience and determination of the protagonist, who, despite the challenges he faced, found a way to turn his life around and make a positive impact on his community through sports.

Ayesha Rascoe: That’s fascinating. How did you approach the storytelling process, bringing this true story to life on screen?

Sheldon Candis: I wanted to create a film that would not only entertain but also inspire audiences. I worked closely with my team to develop a narrative that would capture the essence of the protagonist’s journey, highlighting the challenges he faced and the triumphs he achieved.

Ayesha Rascoe: The film explores the theme of redemption, which is a powerful and timely subject. Can you talk a bit about the significance of this theme in the context of ‘They Fight’?

Sheldon Candis: Redemption is a universal human experience, and I believe it’s something that resonates deeply with audiences. In the film, we see the protagonist grappling with his past mistakes and struggling to find a way to make amends. Through his journey, we witness the transformative power of sports and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.

Ayesha Rascoe: The film also highlights the importance of mentorship and the role that coaches can play in shaping young lives. Can you speak to that?

Sheldon Candis: Absolutely. The coach in the film serves as a mentor and a role model, providing guidance and support to the young boxers. He helps them develop discipline, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose, which are essential life skills that extend far beyond the boxing ring.

Ayesha Rascoe: Lastly, what message do you hope audiences take away from ‘They Fight’?

Sheldon Candis: I hope that audiences will be inspired by the film’s message of hope and redemption. I also hope that it will spark a conversation about the importance of sports in our communities and the impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

Boxing, Redemption, and the Power of Sports

The film ‘They Fight’ is a powerful exploration of the human spirit, delving into the complexities of redemption and the transformative power of sports. Through the eyes of the protagonist, we witness the ways in which boxing can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and healing, providing a sense of purpose and a path towards a brighter future.

Key Facts and Statistics

* The film ‘They Fight’ is based on a true story of a former convict who finds purpose in teaching kids to box.

* The movie explores the themes of redemption, mentorship, and the transformative power of sports.

* The film highlights the importance of sports in our communities and the impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

Further Reading and Resources

* ‘Baltimore Rising: The Freddie Gray Uprisings’ (2017) – a documentary film by Sheldon Candis.

* ‘The Redemption Project’ – a non-profit organization that provides mentorship and support to at-risk youth through sports and education.