To celebrate the release of the anticipated new true story The Fire Inside, we had the pleasure of chatting with the film’s cast and director to find out more about this ferocious new film.

The film tells the true story of Claressa Shields, one of the greatest female boxers of all time. Aided by her long-time coach, Shields becomes the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing, only to discover that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has just begun. Ryan Destiny stars as Shields in what is being called a career-defining performance while award buzz has already started to surround Brian Tyree Henry in the role of Shields’ coach and confidante Jason Crutchfield.

Chatting to Brian Tyree Henry and Ryan Destiny, we talk about the lure of Claressa’s story, their own inspirations, and whose words when they were younger continue to push them in their craft, bonding as friends and what broke the ice, working with Morrison and much more. We also chat with director Morrison as to why she wanted to take on this story as her directorial debut, the emotional resonance of Claressa’s journey and her impact on the sport and world, shooting boxing in a way that puts the audience “inside” Claressa’s head, working with Barry Jenkins and much more.

You can watch our interviews below:

The Fire Inside opens in UK cinemas on February 7th.