Jack Huston's 'Day of the Fight': First Look, Trailer

In a season that is expected to see few Oscars, could a small but impressive film, written and directed by a filmmaker with three Oscar winners in his family, find its way onto the shortlist?

Falling Forward Films is banking on this when it takes over the US distribution rights for Jack Hustons impressive directorial debut Day of Battlea black and white indie about a once famous boxer – played by Huston’s former Boardwalk Empire Co-Star Michael Pitt – as he takes a redemptive journey through his past and present on the day of his first fight since being released from prison.

In fact, the up-and-coming distributor has already started an awards campaign for the film, which also features Nicolette Robinson, Ron Perlman, John Magaro, Anatol Yusef, Steve Buscemi (another Boardwalk Empire alum) and — returning from retirement to make a brief but harrowing appearance — Oscar winner Joe Pesci. The veterans of Perception PR who helped Neon parasite Oscar for Best Picture, were hired to coordinate the effort. And Huston's representatives at CAA have been mobilizing grassroots support for months, starting with a star-studded screening at the agency on March 26, which also included attendees David O. Russell, Andy Garcia, Lawrence Bender and the filmmaker’s uncle, Daniel Huston.

Day of Battle seems to me like it has the potential to be a breakthrough. Huston is in with a good chance of being nominated for the Gotham Award for Best Breakthrough Director and the Spirit Award for Best First Feature. Peter SimoniteThe monochrome shots will surely compete for several awards for best cinematography. And most importantly, the performance of Pitt – who has long been a great actor but has struggled to find roles worthy of his talent – could find recognition, certainly in the mixed-gender leading actor categories at the Gotham and Spirit Awards, but, with support from some critics, perhaps beyond.

However, it should be remembered that a number of independent films with small distributors – including Whale Rider (Newmarket films), Monster (Newmarket films), Mary full of grace (Fine line features), The visitor (Overture films), The Messenger (Oscilloscope laboratories), At the Gate of Eternity (CBS Films) and To Leslie (Momentum Pictures) – were just “little indie films that made it” until they finally, well, didby being nominated in one of the Oscar categories for acting.

Some observers expected that Day of Battle — whose producers include Huston, Emma Tillinger Koskoff (The Irishman and both joker Films), Josh Porter, Yes Stefan and the inimitable Colleen Camp — would play into the final awards season. It ultimately premiered at the Venice Film Festival and also played at the Mill Valley, SCAD, Newport Beach and Austin festivals, several of which honored Huston with special honors. But the runway wasn't long enough to give the low-key film the excitement it needed, and so it was pushed back to 2024. It is now set to premiere in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on November 15, followed by a nationwide expansion.

Below, The Hollywood Reporter to present its trailer exclusively.

“I am so infinitely grateful Day of Battle in the cinemas,” says Huston THR. “My goal was to make something honest and relatable about the complexities of life that asks the eternal question: How far are we willing to go for the people we love? I was fortunate to work with an incredible cast who brought these characters to life with so much passion, anchored by Michael Pitt's achingly beautiful performance. As well as a crew whose hard work and tenacity can be seen in every frame. In an ever-evolving business, it takes a dedicated village to bring a film like this to audiences, and our partners Falling Forward Films and PMI made it possible through their unwavering support. I loved every second of making this film and am beyond excited to share it with others.”

CEO of Falling Forward Films added Scott Kennedy: “We are delighted to present Jack Huston’s incredible new film, a true highlight in the world of cinema. William Santor and Productivity Media, along with Falling Forward Films, are proud to present this remarkable film to audiences around the world and can't wait for everyone to experience it.”