director, Steve Rahaman
The film maker, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and grew up in Queens spent several hours shooting a scene which is set to be one of the most climatic moments of the movie in which the main character, Tyrone King, is given the opportunity to prove himself in a sanctioned fight and the chance to compete at Madison Square Garden.
With about 20 cast and crew members and over a hundred extras all from the local areas present, the boxing club was filled with enthusiasm and energy.
Rahaman admits that the Brooklyn based boxing club was his venue of choice because of its reputation.
"I chose Starrett City Boxing Club because of its history, world champions of all classes have trained in that location by the legendary, Jimmy O' Pharrow (Jimmy O)," Rahaman says.
Jimmy O, founder of Starrett City Boxing club agreed to give Rahaman and his crew full access to the gym and his fighters. He also agreed to cameo appearance in the film.
According to Rahaman, Nigel Harvey, lead actor and producer who is originally from Starrett City came to him with the story, most of which is based on his real life struggles, about four years ago.
"His determination is what made this film come to life," Rahaman said.
Now, about three years after production originally began and a scheduled release date set for fall 2011, Rahaman and his team has made the completion of this film a priority.
To Be King is the story of down and out son of a professional boxer, Tyrone King, who loses his family and is plagued with setbacks but finds redemption in his life to move on. He crosses paths with the man who trained his father and the man who lead his father to his death in the underground fighting world. King finds faith in himself to stand up, fall in love and against all odds become a champion.
Rahaman has won both the New York and Los Angeles International Film Festival awards for his bloody mafia series "Bloodline" and "Christmas Day."
He is currently working on upcoming films "The Hands That Hold Us," which tells the story of a war hero who left everything behind to follow in his brother's footsteps despite the consequences, and "Say" which is a horror film set in the afterworld.
Filming for his movies takes place throughout the five boroughs.
More information on Steve Rahaman, To Be King or any of his upcoming films can be found at www.steverahaman.com or www.fallingleavesfilms.com
Read more: Forest Hills Times - Award winning local film maker chooses Brooklyn to film upcoming movie
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