BUFF Studios Acquires Heavyweight directed by Christopher M. Anthony for UK Theatrical Distribution

Heavyweight, the first feature directed by Nigerian-Lebanese filmmaker Christopher M. Anthony, has been acquired for UK theatrical distribution by BUFF Studios.

The distribution arm of the BAFTA-accredited British Urban Film Festival secured the rights following its success at the BUFF Awards and will release the film in cinemas nationwide in early 2026.

The film focuses on the mental state of a heavyweight fighter and his cornermen backstage as fight time approaches. With the clock ticking, a series of obstacles - both internal and external - cause him to lose faith in himself. As his team works hard to show him that he deserves to be there, Derek realises that he must cut ties to the heavy weight holding him back and that he alone must fight his greatest opponent - himself.

Shot in London, the film stars Nicholas Pinnock (Top Boy, Marcella, For Life) and Jordan Bolger (Peaky Blinders, The Woman King). Additional cast includes Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter series, Death of Stalin), Sienna Guillory (Resident Evil, The Meg 2), Osy Ikhile (Black Mirror), Rob Malone (Vikings), Barry Aird (Fortitude, Top Boy), Joplin Sibtain (Andor), Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Galactica, Marcella), Nabil Elouahabi (Top Boy, The Night Of) and Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners, World on Fire).

Heavyweight marks the fourth release from BUFF Studios and its third in the last six months following Ireke: Rise of the Maroons (July) and Magazine Dreams (December). Today’s announcement follows the launch of BUFF’s Producer-led P&A model, unveiled at AFM in November and designed to give filmmakers a more transparent, flexible path to theatrical release.

Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe, Head of Global Theatrical Distribution at BUFF Studios said: "As the film industry continues to evolve, BUFF Studios remains focused on supporting distinctive, independent voices through its Producer-led P&A model. Our approach ensures that films like Heavyweight receive tailored theatrical support, connecting impactful stories with audiences and exhibitors in a way that reflects today’s changing distribution landscape".

Written and directed by Christopher M. Anthony, the film debuted on the festival circuit at Raindance in June and was also an official selection at BUFF in October. Heavyweight is co-produced by Blackwater Pictures and Silver Milk Productions, in collaboration with BAFTA-nominated producer Tiernan Hanby, Antoine Dixon-Bellot, Simon Marriott, Nicholas Pinnock and Oliver Slinger with full financing by Blackwater.

Kevin Harvey, co-founder and Producer at Blackwater Pictures said: “Heavyweight has been a labour of love - a tense and emotional look at the hidden pressures behind the scenes in elite sports, with performances par excellence brought to life through dynamic camerawork that draws the audience into the chaotic fray. We are very excited about the partnership with BUFF, who we know will be able to reach the core audience the film deserves.”