Alisha Weir (Abigail, Matilda the Musical) is set to star in Underdogs, the debut feature from writer-director Fabia Martin (The Rev, Six for Gold), which is told through the eyes of disillusioned but determined teens.
Produced by Candid Broads Productions, which focuses on “unspoken truths from underrepresented communities” and “reaching audiences through warmth, energy, and cinematic flair,” the coming-of-age comedy follows two teenage girls in foster care who find themselves on the run in a stolen ambulance in search of family and freedom – only to end up illegally competing at Crufts, the world’s largest annual dog show, held in Birmingham, England.
Weir will star as Nel, “a quirky dog-enthusiast, who sets off on an unforeseen road trip with her new foster sister Zadie.” Amber Grappy (One Day, The Baby) plays strung-out social worker Patricia, tasked with getting the girls back home. “The girls form an unlikely bond whilst navigating encounters with a host of offbeat characters, all while their foster mother, Sal, races against the system to find them before their social workers do,” notes a synopsis.
Amber Grappy, courtesy of Candid Broads Productions,
“Underdogs is inspired by young people I met through the mentoring charity PROMISEworks, who grew up in the care system and thrived despite it,” said Martin. It’s a story about belonging and the world of foster care seen through an honest lens with humor and heart.”
Added producer and Candid Broads founder Oriane Pick: “Underdogs offers a fresh perspective of the care system – one rooted in resilience and humor. We’re thrilled to be bringing Fabia’s debut feature to screen and to have Alisha Weir and Amber Grappy starring in this bold and original story.” Candid Broads’ Anais Ferrato is also producing the movie.
The Candid Broads team is in Cannes to introduce the project to potential collaborators and partners and hold meetings around its broader slate of projects in development.