DETROIT − Whenever a new film about Flint, Michigan surfaces, it often focuses on the water crisis that has plagued the city for the last decade.

However, “The Fire Inside” breaks that mold, highlighting Flint’s perseverance instead.

This powerful biopic chronicles the life of Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic boxing champion who has impressively won all 15 of her professional bouts.

Shields emphasizes that the film is centered around “triumph and victory,” showcasing both her own journey and the determination of Flint’s residents.

“That’s how I got to where I am,” she shares.

At 29, Shields is still viewed by her community as the determined girl with an extraordinary dream, one she worked tirelessly to achieve.

“They still see me as the 11-year-old who was going around … seeking donations to compete in big tournaments,” she recalls. “Some offered a hundred bucks, others just a dollar, a dime, or even offered prayers. All of that support helped me reach my goals, and I always want to honor that.”

This morning, Shields is on a hotel couch with Ryan Destiny, the emerging actress from Detroit portraying her, and Rachel Morrison, the Oscar-nominated cinematographer known for “Fruitvale Station” and “Black Panther,” who is making her debut as a director with this film.

The trio shares mutual respect while discussing the dramatic narrative, with Shields bringing humor and honesty to the conversation. She candidly admits her initial disappointment about the film’s Christmas Day release, not realizing that it’s a prime time for award-worthy films.

”Someone told me, ‘Claressa, the top movies launch on Christmas Day.’ And I thought, ‘Oh snap, you’re right!” she quips, causing Destiny and Morrison to laugh with her.

The film stars Destiny as Shields and Brian Tyree Henry as her coach, Jason Crutchfield, depicting the young boxer’s journey—including her turbulent home life and financial struggles—starting from age 11 to her participation in the 2012 London Olympics at 17.

After winning the gold and becoming the first American woman to achieve this milestone, Shields faces her next significant challenge—a prevailing bias that hinders her chances for sponsorships and broader recognition. Aware that fairness is essential, she understands she must battle these disparities to gain what she rightfully deserves.

Shields would later secure another Olympic victory in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, making her the only U.S. boxer to win back-to-back gold medals, regardless of gender. By this time, she had already been the focus of a documentary titled “T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold,” earning her the nickname for her shorter arms and aggressive fighting style.

“The Fire Inside,” which draws inspiration from the earlier documentary, was penned by Barry Jenkins, an Oscar-winning filmmaker known for “Moonlight.” He was initially considered to direct but believed that a woman, specifically Morrison, should take on the role. Morrison had previously made history by becoming the first woman nominated for an Oscar in the cinematography category for her work on “Mudbound” in 2017.

Filming “The Fire Inside” began in 2020 and was cut short due to COVID-19 lockdowns, resuming two years later when the project transitioned from Universal to Amazon MGM.

Morrison remarked that the filmmaking process echoed some of Shields’ own challenges, noting the delays illustrated parallels to her journey.

When the film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September, it received powerful praise for its emotional depth. The Guardian highlighted it as “a vibrant drama filled with authentic emotions that carries significant weight.”

The actress, known for her role in the Fox series “Star” and
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The film “A Girl Like Grace,” featuring Meagan Good and Garcelle Beauvais, resonates with Claressa Shields, particularly as she relates to the experience of being a young Black woman from a city often underestimated, like Detroit. Destiny reflects, stating, “Detroit is an incredible place to come from, but many don’t appreciate or understand it because they’re not familiar with cities like Detroit and Flint.”

Morrison finds a connection in how Shields continually had to validate her abilities, a challenge that a male counterpart in the same profession might not face. She highlights the struggle of needing to excel in one’s field while also navigating additional challenges, saying, “It’s not enough to simply be talented; there are numerous barriers you must overcome.”

Destiny shares, “As a female cinematographer, I’ve always felt like an outlier. The scrutiny is intense, often questioning even my basic ability to handle equipment. There’s a constant undermining at every turn.”

The director adds, “We know we are capable, yet it’s not enough; we have to repeatedly demonstrate our competence.”

Delays in the shoot provided Destiny extra time to prepare and effectively embody Shields’ character in the ring. The actress, who gives a standout performance, describes her transformation for the role, stating, “It took a lot of hard work, dedication, and emotional investment—blood, sweat, and tears, really.”

Shields praises Destiny’s portrayal, recalling a scene where Destiny was sprinting down the street. “People were contacting me, thinking it was me, but I was like, ‘No, that’s actually her!’ That was a clear sign of her impressive performance.”

Under Morrison’s guidance, “The Fire Inside” offers an authentic glimpse into Shields’ emotional journey, often masked by a tough facade on her way to the Olympics. Morrison aimed to instill a deep sense of intimacy and empathy in the story, transcending traditional boxing narratives typically centered around male protagonists. “I wanted viewers to immerse themselves in her experience,” Morrison remarks.

Shields refrained from meddling in the filmmaking, placing her confidence in Destiny and Morrison to portray her story accurately. “I believe that if everyone focuses on their role, the project will succeed. Crossing into others’ territories complicates things unnecessarily,” she states.

During a private Los Angeles screening, Shields aimed to view the film as an audience member. She found herself in tears at various points and felt an intense emotional connection throughout. Post screening, she expressed her delight at the exceptional work of Destiny, Morrison, and Jenkins.

Eventually, Shields met Destiny face-to-face for the first time during a birthday celebration for Destiny, sparking some nervous moments. “I thought… ‘What if she doesn’t like it? This could be awkward!’” Destiny recalls with a chuckle.

However, Shields reacted positively, lavishing praise on Destiny’s performance. “She truly embodied me—the way she dressed, carried herself, styled her hair, and the fierce attitude. I had that confidence before, and it’s still within me.”

The highest compliment from Shields came as she noted Destiny’s ability to authentically convey the spectrum of emotions experienced both inside and outside the ring. “Her performance indicates how talented she is, as she navigated through joy, sorrow, and resilience without faltering, imitating a real boxer,” Shields explains. “That’s the mark of a great actress.”

Destiny feels transformed by her experience in “The Fire Inside,” and Morrison echoes that sentiment, noting, “We had the opportunity to tell the story of a real-life superhero, which was a true gift.”

This film emphasizes the significance of perseverance and self-belief, as Shields recalls, “During my preparations for the 2016 Olympics, many said, ‘An American boxer winning two consecutive Olympic gold medals is impossible. It has never happened and it won’t happen. Claressa, this is not feasible.’”

In response, Shields took it upon herself to prove them wrong.

She examined the word “impossible” closely. “I wondered, ‘What’s significant about this word? At its start, it includes …. I’m.’ If you remove that, what do you get? It reads ‘It’s possible.’”

Destiny, who is seated next to Shields, adds, “I am possible.”

The passion within these women remains vibrant and unwavering.