On Tuesday, Feb 25, Louisville is hosting an early screening of the film Queen of the Ring by director and Sumerian Records founder Ash Avildsen, who will be in attendance, at AMC Stonybrook (2745 S. Hurstbourne Ln.). The son of Oscar-winning director John Avildsen (Rocky, Karate Kid), he worked on this film with his famous father before he passed away.
“At the age of 34, I finally met my father…,” Avildsen said in a release. “Building a beautiful bond with my father as an adult was life-changing, deeply influencing my approach to storytelling and imbuing my work with a profound sense of purpose and authenticity. Growing up without a father defined me in my youth, but becoming best friends with him later in life has been transformative.”
The film, is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Queen of the Ring: Sex Muscles Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend,” by Jeff Leen. The film follows the life of Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar athlete in the world and a hard-working single mother. For Avildsen it was important for the audience to identify with the protagonist.
Locals will recognize familiar local venues like the Louisville Palace and the Seelbach Hotel.
