London filmmaker Anthony Vander is making waves in both the film and boxing industries with his latest project, SPAR. The award-winning director and producer, known for his debut feature Sweetboy which premiered at the American Black Film Festival in 2014, has now set his sights on bridging the gap between cinema and boxing.
SPAR, a television show following the lives of up and coming black boxing talent, is set to premiere in November 2024. The pilot episode, co-produced by Vander and actor Mavin Rasheed, features an all-star cast including Nicola Roffe, Edwin De La Renta, Andre Fyffe, and BAFTA nominee Jordan Pitt. The episode is written by Vander and Kate Napoli.
Inspired by director Rapman’s unique storytelling style and dedication to representation, Vander was motivated to create SPAR as a way to pave his own path in the industry and bring something new to the table. He explains, “I went out and made Spar because I had to create my own yes, plus no one in the UK has ever done a boxing show like this before.”
But for Vander, SPAR is more than just a TV show. It’s an opportunity to shed light on the importance of grassroots boxing and the struggles faced by many boxing gyms due to lack of support. “We want to spotlight boxing gyms up and down the country. A lot of gyms are struggling due to lack of support. It’s more than a sport. Boxing emphasises discipline, self-control and community. If things remain the same, a generation of community could be lost,” he says.
In addition to the upcoming premiere, Vander is also seeking out investors to help push the vision of SPAR even further. “With Spar, we have a franchise that is for boxing. I like to think of it as The Bear meets Cobra Kai. We welcome co-productions and investors,” he says.
After its premiere, SPAR will tour in boxing gyms across the London area, showcasing the show’s unique and groundbreaking approach to the sport. As Vander continues to push the boundaries and break new ground in both the film and boxing industries, SPAR is sure to make a lasting impact and pave the way for future projects.
