The Champions

THE CHAMPIONS is the powerful story of the brave individuals who rescued, rehabilitated, and adopted the pit bulls from NFL quarterback Michael Vick's violent dog-fighting ring. Despite tremendous pressure from animal welfare organizations to euthanize these animals, a handful of men and women stepped in to give the dogs a second chance. With her inspiring documentary, first time filmmaker Darcy Dennett proves the power of resilience and addresses a variety of important issues, including the unfair stigma surrounding this misunderstood breed, the exploitation of animals for the sake of entertainment, and the way society is too quick to forgive its star athletes. (Hamptons International Film Festival)