Exclusive: Wanda Sykes & Director Tamika Miller Talk Boxing Drama ‘Undercard’
Playing in theaters from Catalyst Studios, In association with Seismic Releasing, is the boxing drama ‘Undercard.’ Directed by: Tamika Miller from a script written by Anita M. Cal & Tamika Miller, the film stars comedian Wanda Sykes in her first dramatic role.
Other cast members includes Bentley Green, Estella Kahiha, Xavier Mills, William Stanford Davis, Berto Colón and Roselyn Sánchez. The film was Audience Award winner for Best U.S. Narrative Feature at Newport Beach Film Festival and the Audience Award winner for Best Independent Film at St. Louis International Film Festival.
Producers include Tamika Miller, Anne Clements, Frances Lausell, and Andrés Ramírez Molina. Among the executive producing team are Wanda Sykes, Holly Levow, Mark Pennell, and Paul Kampf.
When Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart, a two-time former boxing champion and recovering alcoholic, reaches out to the 21-year-old son she abandoned, she is met with deep-seated resentment. Keith Stewart, a naturally gifted fighter, relies on raw talent—but without discipline or focus, he can’t reach the top. After a devastating loss caused by his gambling-addicted trainer, Keith’s career loses direction and his confidence takes a hit. Cheryl sees a chance not only to save her son’s career, but to reclaim the family she lost. With everything on the line, mother and son enter an uneasy partnership, balancing ambition, forgiveness, and the price of a second chance.
A veteran comedian, Sykes is known for such credits as History Of The World: Part II, The Upshaws, Monster in Law and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Her last comedy special I’m An Entertainer was nominated for a Golden Globe, a Grammy, three Emmys, a Critics Choice Award as well as a NAACP Image Award.
Miller’s previously directed the feature ‘Honor Student’ and two television movies: The Christmas Lottery for MarVista Entertainment/BET, and Back to the Goode Life for BET Her. She also helmed episodes for The Equalizer for CBS and Station 19 for ABC/Shondaland.
She began her career as a line producer for television commercials and high-profile music videos, subsequently going on to direct short films that have appeared on Showtime and MTV Logo.
Blackfilmandtv.com’s Wilson Morales spoke with Wanda Sykes and director Tamika Miller on the making of Undercard.