A new horse racing movie is set to hit the big screen by the end of the year following success on the film festival circuit.
The film Jockey is a 95-minute drama about an aging jockey (played by Clifton Collins Jr.), who hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Molly Parker) after she has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years – and injuries – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Moises Arias), who claims to be his son, and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.
The film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 31 and was featured at the Toronto International Film Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival. Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for distribution, it is scheduled to be released in theatres in New York and Los Angeles on December 29 before an expanded rollout.
The film was written by Greg Kwedar and director Clint Bentley, whose own father was a professional jockey and source of inspiration for the main character.
Collins Jr. won the Sundance Film Festival's U.S. Dramatic Special Jury acting award for his starring role.