Beckham and Bobi Wine: The People’s President indie, Ventureland, has teamed with Italian production company 011films to produce “the definitive account” of the life of world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The film is directed by Pablo Benedetti, who is also a producing alongside Davide Sordella (011films) and John Battsek (Ventureland).
With unlimited access to Usyk for the past five years, both in and out of the ring, Benedetti has spent time in close contact with the champion at home, with his family and teammates in Ukraine – including during the war – as well as in many countries around the world. The film will feature pivotal moments in Usyk’s life and storied career as well as documenting all of the highs and lows in the locker room before and after all his most important fights of the last five years, including those for the world title against Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury.
“As a director, telling stories is a great responsibility, and I am proud to have this privilege. With Usyk, there was an instant, magical spark; it doesn’t happen often—in fact, it’s rare—but when it does, you immediately sense that, somehow, that story was waiting for you as much as you were searching for it,” said Benedetti. “For me, it has become more of a mission every day, one to which I am dedicating all of my energy and life with sacrifice. Usyk’s story is not just a perfect screenplay; it is an eternal parable of humanity and sport for everyone.”
Added Usyk: “I was in Kyiv, and when my brother Serhii called me, he said, ‘Listen, there’s a person living in Italy, he’s a director, and he could make an amazing documentary about you—not just about boxing, but about your whole life.’ When we connected via video call, I was at a restaurant with friends. I stepped outside to join the conversation with the guys. On the call were Yarik Lord, Pavlo, and Serhii. I don’t know why, but I believed in Pavlo, in the idea that he would create something incredible. He became like a brother to me, part of my family. Pavlo values our traditions, he believes in God. And I just really like people from Italy—they’re cool in some way. Thank God for everything.”
011films is an Italian award-winning production company with feature films and documentaries debuting at festivals including Berlin, Venice and Cannes and distributed internationally since 2006.
“It was a unique opportunity for us to productively support this human and sporting adventure from Kiev to Ryad, passing through the UK, Spain, Turkey, Greece, UAE… a long journey that allowed us and the spectator to become part of a big family, Usyk’s family,” said Sordella.
“Oleksandr Usyk hearkens back to the golden era of heavyweight Champions. No fuss, no BS, just rock-solid top level unparalleled boxing skills,” said Battsek. “His story is dramatic, emotional and incredibly exciting and I am honored to be part of the team entrusted by Oleksandr to make this film.”
The film is currently in post-production in Rome, with a plan to premiere in 2025.
Jon Creamer
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