Arts Circle, Film Lover, Secret (shhh…) Members and Fellows (with an active Membership), you and a guest are invited to Programmers’ Picks, a curated screening series taking place at the Film Independent Theater. Make sure to take advantage of your exclusive priority registration window, after which all Film Independent Members will have the opportunity to register.

Join us for THEY FIGHT, followed by an in-person conversation with writer/director Sheldon Candis.

Recently released from prison, coach Walt Mangian joins a local youth gym to help a ragtag team of adolescent boxers aspiring to a national championship.

Based on the 2018 documentary of the same name, THEY FIGHT is a boxing drama about Walt Manigan, a reformed ex-con determined to reintegrate into society so he can be with the mother of his toddler son. As he struggles to find his footing, his only opportunity comes from a place he had put behind him: the boxing gym. There, he coaches a motley crew of local D.C. teenage boys, culminating in two young best friends facing off at the National Championship.

An aspirational story about redemption and forgiveness, the film features André Holland, who gracefully embodies Walt and carries us through the emotional journey of an ex-con searching for the right way back into society. Complemented by the ever-present Wendell Pierce, the two actors play off each other seamlessly as coaches at the youth gym. Samira Wiley plays the mother of Walt’s son and effortlessly establishes the conditions for his return home, while newcomers Toussaint Francois Battiste and Anthony B. Jenkins anchor the film as best friends, bringing both banter and candor to their roles.

From Disney+ and Hulu, THEY FIGHT premiered at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival and will be released July 17.

Writer/Director Sheldon Candis and producer Jason Michael Berman are both 2009 Film Independent Fast Track Fellows. Candis also participated in the 2009 Directing Lab, as well as Project Involve in 2010, and his film Luv played at the 2012 LA Film Festival.

Beverages will be served prior to the screening, starting at 7:00 pm PT.

Registration will open to all Film Independent Members on June 17.
 
2026, 98 minutes, color | Written by Sheldon Candis, Andrew Renzi | Directed by Sheldon Candis | Main Cast André Holland, Wendell Pierce, Samira Wiley, Anthony B. Jenkins, Toussaint Francois Battiste, Mykelti Williamson, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Andre Royo | Produced by Jason Michael Berman, Ben Renzo, Andrew Renzi
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Arts Circle, Film Lover and Secret Members, and Fellows (with an active Membership) can register for this event starting at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, June 2. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting on June 17. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

Film Lover Members, Secret Members and Fellows (with an active Membership) receive priority entry to this event. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. For information about Arts Circle, contact Jennifer Murby at jmurby@filmindependent.org.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as one hour prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Complimentary parking provided with validation. Garage entrance on Masselin.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per Membership, per event.

Members are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.