The Boxer is a 2012 British drama short film about the relationship between a young man and his grandfather. The film was written by Daniel Bailey and produced by Scruffbag Productions.

Plot

Michael (Ashley Chin) is about to have his first professional boxing fight against the reigning champion, however his grandfather Joe (Paul Barber) cannot be there with him in his corner because he is ill in hospital. Michael struggles to find the strength to go it alone, and instead of going to the boxing ring, he goes to visit his grandfather in an attempt to escape his turmoil and look for inspiration.

Cast

• Paul Barber as Joe
• Ashley Chin as Michael
• Victoria Bavister as Lucy
• Kristin McIlquham as Marie

Production

The film was written by Daniel Bailey, a 22-year-old landscape architecture student at Kingston University who resides in Neasden, London.^[1]

It was one of 60 entries^[1] in ‘Project 7′, which was a script-writing competition for young people aged between 12 and 24 to create a seven minute short film based around one of the seven core Olympic and Paralympic Values (Respect, Excellence, Friendship, Courage, Determination, Inspiration and Equality).^[2] The film was based around the value of ‘inspiration’.^[1]

The film was set at the Stonebridge Boxing Club in Willesden, London.^[3] It was produced by Scruffbag Productions as a result of receiving commission from Brent Council and West London Partnership of London 2012.^[2]

Release

On 17 April 2012, the film along with the runner up of ‘Project 7′, premiered during a special screening at the Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise, London.^[4] On 2 May 2012,^[5] the film was screened at Horse Hospital in Russell Square, London.^[1]

In September 2012, the film was entered in the Raindance Film Festival.^[6][7][8]