'My Father Muhammad Ali' Documentary Making World Premier In RI

EAST GREENWICH, RI — Two Rhode Island movie producers/directors will host the world premiere of a documentary about the son of famous boxer Muhammed Ali, right here in the Ocean State.

On Dec. 8, a private viewing of "My Father Muhammad Ali," will hit the big screen in the Ocean State. The documentary was directed by Rhode Island natives Chad A. Verdi and Tom DeNuccI under Verdi Productions.

"My Father Muhammad Ali" provides a unique perspective on Ali - aka "the greatest" - through the eyes of his only biological son, Muhammad Ali Jr. Throughout his life, Muhammad Ali Jr. struggled with bullying, abandonment, drug addiction, family, and heartbreak.

Ultimately, Muhammad Ali Jr. finds peace with himself, his former relationship with his father and his current relationship with his own children. The film was primarily shot in Rhode Island.

The premiere event will be a historic reunion for the Ali family, as it will be the first time ever that Muhammad Ali Jr. is in one place with his mother Khalilah Ali, daughter Saliah Ali and uncle Rahman Ali. Khalilah is the first wife of Muhammad Ali, and Rahman is his brother.

This is also Verdi's directorial debut. He's most known for executive producing Martin Scorsese’s "The Irishman" and the Vinny Paz biopic "Bleed for This." DeNucci is known for directing the Rhode Island heist film on the 1975 bonded vault robbery, "Vault", which Verdi produced.

Verdi produced "My Father Muhammad Ali" along with Rhode Island natives Michelle Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr. and Paul Luba. Nick Koskoff and Matthew J. Weiss served as producers as well, with executive producers Thomas Verdi, Andre Relis, Anthony Gudas, David Gere, Rick Lazes, Chelsea Vale and Seth Koch.

"Two-and-a-half years ago, we were thrilled when Muhammad Jr. chose us to tell his life story," Verdi said. "This documentary is so powerful that Verdi Productions will be turning Ali Jr.’s story into a feature film next, to be filmed in the great state of Rhode Island. Stay tuned as history is about to be made."

On January 13th, the documentary will be released theatrically worldwide and on all major video-on-demand platforms.

In the meantime, Verdi Productions will soon start principal photography on a feature film of Muhammad Ali Jr’s story in the Fall of 2023. Filming will take place in Rhode Island, and casting will begin soon, Verdi said.