101 minutes – Drama
Festival release date: September 2, 2016 (Venice)
Release date: May 19, 2017
Canadian distributor: Entract Films
US distributor: IFC Films

Chuck began life as The Bleeder and tells the true story of Chuck “The Bayonne Bleeder” Wepner, who was a liquor salesman and father with a modest prizefighting career. His life changed overnight when, in 1975, he was chosen to take on Muhammad Ali in a highly publicized title match. He lasted a gruelling, bloody, 15 rounds in the ring but knocked Ali down in the 9th round. The match inspired a young Sylvester Stallone, who watched the fight on television, to adapt the basic details of the Wepner’s story for his own breakout star vehicle, Rocky. The fight was also the start of a life that brought Wepner incredible highs and the humbling lows of sudden fame that comes to a complete halt when your 15 minutes in the spotlight goes dark.

Chuck is an American film but included on Northernstars because its director, Philippe Falardeau is Canadian, as are the cinematographer and editor.