A Washington, DC Story Comes Home at Community Screening of Andscape’s “They Fight”

They Fight director, cast, and DC Film Commissioner pose together on the red carpet at the community screening.

OCTFME, Events DC and Andscape Bring the People Behind the Film Together with the Community That Shaped Its Story

Hollywood actors and filmmakers joined Washington, DC leaders, media, and residents on Saturday evening for a special community screening of Andscape's They Fight which is now available on Hulu and Disney+. The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), in partnership with Events DC and Andscape, brought the people behind the film together with the community that inspired its story at the historic Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington, DC.

Based on the extraordinary life and work of Washington, DC boxing coach and mentor Walt Manigan, They Fight follows a dedicated coach guiding three young boxers as they overcome adversity and pursue their dreams. The film celebrates the transformative power of mentorship, resilience, and second chances while shining a national spotlight on a story rooted deeply in Ward 8's Southeast Washington.

Hundreds of guests filled the library for an evening featuring a red carpet, community screening, audience discussion, and reception. The celebration connected filmmakers, cast members, community leaders, media, and members of DC's boxing community with residents whose experiences helped shape the story portrayed on screen.

"Washington is home to extraordinary people whose stories deserve to be told," said LaToya Foster, Director of the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment and DC Film Commissioner. "They Fight is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and community. We are proud to partner with Events DC and Andscape to celebrate this remarkable Washington story and the people behind it. Events like this not only celebrate our stories; they create opportunities for our young people, strengthen local partnerships, and reinforce the District's commitment to growing a vibrant creative economy."

The evening welcomed director Sheldon Candis, acclaimed actor Wendell Pierce (Slim), and actress Erika Woods (known for Power Book III: Raising Kanan). They were joined by the film's talented young stars-Anthony B. Jenkins (Quincey), Toussaint Francois Battiste (Peanut), and Aaliyah Mayo (LaShawna)-as well as other members of the cast and crew. Also in attendance were members of the Manigan family, including the real-life Ketta, Walt Manigan's partner and mother of their son, along with community leaders whose lives have been touched by Manigan's decades of mentorship.

Following the screening, attendees engaged with the cast and filmmakers during a lively audience discussion before continuing conversations at the reception.

"We were thrilled to host a screening that brought such a vibrant, authentic DC story to the forefront," said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. "The overwhelming response to the screening highlights the transformative power of local storytelling. We are proud to have partnered with OCTFME and Andscape to amplify unique voices and ensure their journeys are celebrated by the city they represent."

The celebration also welcomed members of Washington, DC's storied boxing community, including Anthony Peterson, Lamont Peterson, Nasheed Smith, and Shaborn Ryals. Beyond honoring an authentic DC story, the evening highlighted the District's vibrant creative ecosystem. The event highlighted the District's creative ecosystem and brought together local media, hospitality partners, community organizations, and small businesses that helped bring the screening to life, including Sweet Tooth Cafe and Plum Good, LLC, who supported both the red carpet and the post-screening reception.

The event also served as a valuable workforce development opportunity for OCTFME interns and participants in the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP), who gained firsthand experience supporting red carpet operations, media relations, event production, and behind-the-scenes logistics. Students received meaningful exposure to careers in film, television, communications, and live event management.

"From the beginning, this film has been about honoring Walt Manigan and the young people whose lives have been changed through his mentorship," said director Sheldon Candis. "Seeing Walt, his family, and the community come together with the cast made the evening incredibly meaningful. I hope audiences leave believing in the power one person can have on a young person's future."

They Fight premiered July 17 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ and is inspired by the acclaimed 2018 documentary of the same name. Together, OCTFME, Events DC and Andscape proudly celebrate They Fight as a powerful example of authentic storytelling - one that shines a light on Washington, DC's communities.

A special DCN (Channel 16) program featuring red carpet interviews, highlights from the community screening, the audience discussion, and exclusive conversations with the filmmakers and cast will air soon on DCN (Channel 16) and will also be available to stream online HERE.