New Interview with filmmaker Steve DeBro
Boxing fans and history buffs are in for a treat on Thursday, February 25 as the highly-anticipated “18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Story” will debut as the SLAMDANCE Film Festival’s Closing Night presented by ArcLight at the Drive-In. The gala is on track to sell out, so be sure to buy your tickets HERE.
The original world premiere was set for March 26, 2020 at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood but was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But now the documentary by director/producer/writer Steve DeBro will be showcased at the Vineland Drive-In in the City of Industry, Calif. And in a one-two punch, it was chosen as the special closing night screening for SLAMDANCE. The event will be very COVID-safe and socially-distant spectators will watch from the safety of their own cars.
And it looks to be a knockout night as the heralded Olympic Auditorium is put in the spotlight once again!
The storied arena first opened in 1925 and became known as a boxing palace ruled by the legendary Aileen Eaton; the icon was in charge of operations from 1942-1980. It was a golden era in the sweet science and this new film looks to offer insight and behind-the-scenes memories from the likes of Carlos Palomino, Julio Cesar Chavez, “Judo” Gene LeBell (son of Aileen Eaton), Lupe Pintor, Jimmy Lennon Jr., Jackie Kallen, Frankie Duarte, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, longtime publicist Bill Caplan, Los Angeles historians Gene Aguilera and Rick Farris, and countless other familiar faces of the day.
The 85-minute movie takes viewers back to a world of boxing, wrestling, roller derby and punk rock (yes, punk rock!) that took place live inside the historic Olympic. The building is now occupied by a church organization but boy, oh boy, if those walls could talk?
I never had the chance to visit the grand Olympic in person so I am really looking forward to seeing this new film that promises a look back at the bright lights, sordid tales and poignant stories of decades past. And for those viewers that were lucky enough to sit in the auditorium or watch on TV, the phrase of “Richmond 9-5171” will surely ring a bell!
This has been a labor of love for first-time director DeBro (who has a long history in the music business). He began this project in 2015 and come Thursday night, the L.A. based filmmaker will see his film come to life on the big screen.
It is, perhaps, fitting that the long-awaited world premiere will first be seen at an old-school drive-in. A fun, old-fashioned evening munching on popcorn and reliving the fight game’s colorful past. The evening looks to be an epic one as several luminaries from the movie will be there in person (again, this will all be done in a COVID-safe environment for all).
With the premiere soon approaching, I got in touch with DeBro to hear his thoughts on his film closing out the prestigious film festival here. With the worldwide pandemic shutting down everything right before his movie was to be released, it would seem like his back was up against the ropes. But like a true fighter, DeBro battled back and came out with a victory. Listen in as he comments on how COVID affected his original plans, why the rescheduling actually worked out in his favor, and which legendary champions will be there Thursday night!
Michele Chong: Hi Steve! Your premiere was originally scheduled for March 2020 at the Cinerama Dome and then the pandemic lockdown happened. How did this affect you and your film?
Steve DeBro: It was pretty disruptive, but in the context of the devastation of the pandemic and the suffering and lives lost, I don’t feel justified in whining about it. That said, it was disappointing–we had a lot of momentum, a big party planned with most of our cast in attendance, and a sold out Cinerama Dome. Probably the saddest thing was that so many of our cast are older, and this was a chance for many of them to be recognized and remembered. We were personally affected—some of our production team got the virus, and my mother was hospitalized for a month with Covid. Thankfully they all recovered.
MC: What, if anything, would you say is the “silver lining” for your film premiering almost one year later?
SD: We were sprinting to complete the film in time for the Dome premiere—still mixing the sound and doing color corrections and final clearances when the lockdown occurred–so it allowed us a little more time to tweak things, mostly things that people wouldn’t notice, but details matter so I think the film is stronger. I would also say that some of the themes feel even more resonant now: with all the losses endured over the last year and many of our elders passing—including so many in the boxing community—the need for this film seems more obvious, and it packs more of an emotional punch.
MC: Which special guests and boxing champs are planning to be there in person (at the COVID-safe premiere)?
SD: Happy to say that Carlos Palomino, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Herman “Kid” Montes, and more guests are being confirmed as we speak!
MC: What was your biggest challenge making this film and what was your biggest surprise while directing/producing/writing 18th & Grand?
SD: So many challenges! This was my first film, and the Olympic story is so deep with so many elements that to do it justice took a lot of time to achieve what I wanted to capture. The film is primarily a boxing film, but includes L.A. history, wrestling, roller derby and music, not to mention the story of the great Aileen Eaton–and getting the balance right and making sure that the film paid off emotionally wasn’t easy.
MC: What are you looking forward to most about next Thursday night?
SD: Having people finally able to see the film, and know that I was able to fulfill the vow that I made to all of those whose stories I promised to tell.
MC: Will viewers be able to stream your film after the official premiere?
SD: There will be some limited opportunities for people to stream the film soon, but it’s not going to be widely available until our distribution plans are set.
MC: Do you have your next project picked out?
SD: I’ve got lots of ideas, but I plan on working and promoting 18th & Grand for some time.
MC: Thanks, Steve, and congrats again on your film!
SD: Thanks for covering! There will be more opportunities for people to see the film soon, and thanks to all of the people who have been supportive along the way, particularly the L.A. boxing community! I’ve been welcomed with open arms by so many, and am so grateful.
Fight fans, don’t miss out on this one night only event at the Vineland. Be part of history as “18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Story” makes its world premiere on February 25!
Film Synopsis: The story of Los Angeles told through the prism of a historic fight palace and the woman who ran it. Olympic Auditorium was a raucous, indestructible palace of violent entertainment, and Aileen Eaton managed the mayhem for the better part of its existence. Told through the voices of fighters, skaters, and musicians including Roddy Piper, John Doe, James Ellroy, and Julio César Chávez, 18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Story is a hard-hitting yet bittersweet tale of the conflicts and characters that shaped a city.
Tickets: Click Here to buy Tickets
Photos courtesy of Steve DeBro/18th & Grand