Spotlight Initiative Selection
THE SENIOR SELECTED FOR THE CREATIVE COALITION
SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE SLATE
Highly anticipated sports drama from Angel Studios and Wayfarer Studios starring Michael Chiklis and directed by Rod Lurie is a powerful story of perseverance, redemption, and human spirit.
LOS ANGELES, CA, (September 4, 2025) — The Creative Coalition announced today that The Senior has been selected for its prestigious Spotlight Initiative slate — a program recognizing films that spark awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire change.
Directed by Rod Lurie (The Contender, Straw Dogs) and starring Emmy Award-winner Michael Chiklis (The Commish, Fantastic Four), the film tells the true story of Mike Flynt, who — 35 years after being expelled from his college football team — returns to the field for his final year of eligibility. Determined to prove that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, Flynt’s journey is one of resilience and hope. The cast also includes Mary Stuart Masterson, Brandon Flynn, James Badge Dale, and Rob Corddry.
“The Senior is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the boundless capacity of the human spirit,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “The Spotlight Initiative celebrates films that do more than entertain — they inspire. We are proud to champion The Senior, a film that moves audiences to pursue their own unfinished dreams.”
“I’m profoundly honored that The Senior has been chosen for The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative slate,” said actor Michael Chiklis. “From the moment I read the script, I knew this was more than a sports story — it’s about hope, redemption, and never giving up on yourself. Having The Creative Coalition stand behind this film is deeply meaningful.”
“Being selected for the Spotlight Initiative is a privilege,” added director Rod Lurie. “The Senior is about perseverance, second chances, and living without regret — values that align perfectly with The Creative Coalition’s mission. The organization’s support amplifies the heart of this story and helps it reach the audiences who will connect with it most.”
Since 1991, The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative has honored socially impactful films, providing a national platform for stories that inspire action and drive cultural conversations.
More About The Senior
Produced by Mark Ciardi (The Rookie, Invincible) and Campbell McInnes (A Million Miles Away) of Select Films, alongside Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof of Wayfarer Studios (It Ends With Us). Executive producers include Wayfarer Studios’ Steve Sarowitz and Tracy Ryerson, Ten Acre Films’ Kelly Williams and Jonathan Duffy, John Kang, Mike Ilitch, Jr., Ricardo A. Salas of Unity Entertainment, and Robert Eisele. Distributed by Angel Studios. The Senior opens nationwide on September 19, 2025.
About The Creative Coalition
The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989, the organization harnesses the unique platforms of the arts to influence public policy, promote social welfare, and inspire meaningful change.
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