Screening online: Wed Oct 20 - Sun Oct 24, 2021 at bushwickfilmfestival.com
Press Release:
October 11, 2021 By GenPop – BROOKLYN,– Los
Angeles native and music producer Stephen DeBro trades mic for camera, aiming
for a knockout in his debut film, the epic story of a cathedral of
violence and the remarkable woman who ran it. For eighty years, boxing, wrestling,
roller derby and punk rock rattled the concrete walls of the Olympic
Auditorium, reverberating far beyond its downtown LA location, sending
shockwaves across the world. Ruben Navarro Credit: Willard Ford
In 18TH & GRAND: THE OLYMPIC AUDITORIUM STORY, DeBro chronicles
larger-than-life characters and violent clashes—pointing up parallels between
what was happening in the ring and in the streets--conflicts over race, gender
and identity that continue to roil America.
Deadline:
“[...] a fascinating record of power, gender, race and culture told
through the lens of one of L.A.’s greatest landmarks.
From harnessing Mexican-American empowerment via 1940s pachuco Zoot-suited
boxing star Enrique Bolaños, threatening norms of masculinity with
cross-dressing wrestler Gorgeous George, and nurturing the cocky self-promotion
of Muhammad Ali, Olympic promoter Aileen Eaton stopped at nothing to sell
tickets, courting controversy while making history. A pioneering woman who
thrived in an almost exclusively male domain, Eaton built an empire of violent
entertainment through decades of visionary programming and promotion.
Hyperallergic:
"18th and Grand centers on renowned fight promoter, Aileen Eaton.
[...] Despite the odds, Eaton managed to thrive in the masculine-centered
world."
DeBro spoke with a host of unforgettable characters, capturing a
disappearing culture where stars, mobsters, politicians and artists rubbed
shoulders at ringside. In addition to James Ellroy, Mamie Van Doren, Ed Ruscha
and John Doe, DeBro documented important voices who passed away during the
making of the film, including Hall of Fame announcer Dick Enberg, wrestling
star Rowdy Roddy Piper, and high-flying roller derby skater Gwen “Skinny
Minnie” Miller.
Variety: "[...] weaves
together boxing, wrestling, punk rock, roller derby and local history with an
“only in L.A.” perspective that firmly situates the historic auditorium in the
city’s culture."
Award-winning music supervisor Howard Paar (I’M THINKING OF
ENDING THINGS, A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME)
blends classic songs with a dynamic score by versatile L.A. funk ensemble
Jungle Fire, taking the audience on a high-octane ride through the
big fights and growing pains of American society…with volume cranked up to 11.
About the director:
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Stephen DeBro worked in all
facets of the music business before turning his attention to filmmaking. He
headed the jazz and eclectic music division of Atlantic Records under legendary
founder Ahmet Ertegun, working with a diverse set of artists, including Norah
Jones, George Carlin, Kris Kristofferson and Elastica.
Inspired by childhood memories of the Olympic, reawakened by the
indelible images of photographer Theo Ehret, DeBro shaped his vision
into 18TH & GRAND: THE OLYMPIC AUDITORIUM STORY, a paean to a
lost world and cipher to decode an oft misunderstood city.
For more information about 18th & GRAND: THE OLYMPIC AUDITORIUM STORY please
visit: 18thandgrand.com
Material Courtesy
of: GenPop / Photo Courtesy of: Willard Ford Used with permission.
The Boxing
Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.
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