If you enjoy films that inspire as much as they
educate, and enrich as much as they entertain,
“The Champions” is simply a must-see. In 2007,
Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick was convicted
of running a vicious and illegal dogfighting
ring. After serving jail time, Vick was able to
return home to lucrative endorsements and a
continued NFL career—but whatever happened
to the 50+ deadly pit bulls he left behind? “The
Champions” tells the amazing, little-known story
of the people who stepped in to try and spare
the abused canines from almost certain death.
Determined to give the surviving dogs a chance
at a happy life, this group of animal lovers risked
everything to prove that even the most “dangerous”
of dogs could live in harmony with humans,
and surprised themselves by being transformed
through the process. This heartfelt story about
four-legged stars who were bred for violence,
and then were offered a second chance through
love, is glorious proof that you absolutely can
teach an old dog new tricks.
In Person: Director
Darcy Dennett; Subjects Francis Battista, Paul
and Melissa Fiaccone, and Rescue Dog Cherry!