Update February 27, 2025: ‘Racewakjers’ won the Slamdance Film Festival 2025 Unstoppable Grand Jury Prize.

Struggling longshots are increasingly becoming unlikely heroes as they strive to become champions in a sport that is largely unknown by the public. The characters of Robbie Amell and his fellow co-stars and filmmakers, Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz, are doing just that as they’re infusing humor and sentimentality into their new sports comedy, ‘Racewalkers.’ The movie’s protagonists and overall story are celebrating the underdog charm of a sport that’s striving to garner more recognition on a professional level nationwide.

‘Racewalkers,’ which also honors the characters becoming unlikely friends as they overcome insurmountable odds to become recognized in the titular sport, was written by Claydon, Moniz and Evan Landry. Claydon and Moniz also helmed the project, which marks the duo’s feature film directorial debuts.

Amell and Landry also served as producers, while Claydon and Moniz served as executive producers, on the project. Besides Amell, Claydon and Moniz, the comedy also stars Greg Bryk, Jess Salgueiro, Italia Ricci, Rebekah Francoz, Ryan Blakely, Milton Barnes and Trevor Hayes.

‘Racewalkers’ is set to have its World Premiere in the Unstoppable Features section at the Slamdance Film Festival, which is moving to Los Angeles this year. The movie will hold its first screening at the festival this Friday, February 21 at 2:15pm PT at the Panasonic LUMIX Theater. It will then have its second screening at the festival the following Monday, February 24 at 3:30pm PT at the Summer & David Theater. For more information on the movie and its screenings at the festival, including how to buy tickets, visit its page on Slamdance’s website.

In ‘Racewalkers,’ Will (Moniz), who has never been able to compete in the sport he’s always loved: racewalking. While struggling to find respect as a coach, Will’s fortunes change when he spots Matt (Claydon), a burnout pitcher with the most impeccable racewalking stride he’s ever seen. Together, Will and Matt team up, face the challenges of a sport that doesn’t want them, and to try to take down the best walker in the country.

Amell, Claydon and Moniz generously took the time last week to talk about penning, helming, producing and starring in ‘Racewalkers’ during an exclusive interview over Zoom. Among other things, the actors-filmmakers discussed why they were inspired to scribe, direct, star in and produce the comedy. The group also mentioned how they created the characters’ humor and emotions, as well as the physicality, while they were preparing for, and shooting, the movie. The filmmakers also mentioned that they’re honored that the comedy is having its World Premiere at Slamdance.

Watch our exclusive video interview with Amell, Claydon and Moniz about ‘Racewalkers’ above.