The Cairo International Film Festival has chosen Peter Farrelly’s I Play Rocky as the opening film of its 47th edition. The festival runs from November 11 to 20. The film chronicles how Sylvester Stallone fought to write and star in Rocky. It is a fitting choice, because both the festival and Rocky launched in 1976.
Two Histories, One Opening Night
The festival says the film suits an event that celebrates its golden jubilee. In its release, it said the pairing connects a young actor’s struggle to play his own character with a cinematic journey that began in Cairo in 1976. The programming also continues its mix of artistic merit and audience appeal. In addition, the film turns the spotlight on the filmmaking process itself.
What the Film Is About
I Play Rocky follows an unknown Stallone as he insists he was meant to be Rocky Balboa, not just write him. Studio executives push back, and the story turns on his refusal to give up. Variety notes that Stallone famously got Rocky made for under $1 million. The film runs about 127 minutes.
Peter Gamble wrote the screenplay. Farrelly, a two-time Academy Award winner for Green Book, directs. Toby Emmerich, Christian Baha, Farrelly and Paul Currie are among the producers. Amazon MGM Studios and United Motion Pictures handle distribution.
The Cast
Anthony Ippolito plays the young Stallone. He previously played Al Pacino in the Paramount+ series The Offer, about the making of The Godfather. The cast also includes Matt Dillon, AnnaSophia Robb, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass and Stephan James. P.J. Byrne and Kiki Seto round out the list.
Festival Run and Reviews
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. It finished as first runner-up for the People’s Choice Award. It later won the Audience Choice Award at Cinéfest Sudbury. In addition, Ippolito received a breakthrough performer honor at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival on October 29.
Critics are divided. Deadline’s review called it an inspiring biopic. In contrast, The Daily Beast argued it falls short of the original. As a result, Cairo audiences will get to judge for themselves.
What Else Awaits in Cairo
The opening film is only part of a large program. The festival has announced 145 films from 64 countries. It will give Golden Pyramid Awards for Lifetime Achievement to Abderrahmane Sissako, Matteo Garrone, Medhat El Adl and Saeed Shimi. Asser Yassin receives the Faten Hamama Excellence Award. Moroccan-French director Nabil Ayouch chairs the International Competition jury.
