John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs
Hosted by Robinson Film Center, John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs, and Maccentric
Regional Filmmakers Spotlight
Presented by Maccentric
JOHN G. AVILDSEN: KING OF THE UNDERDOGS
7:30 p.m. August 8
Screening and Q&A with director Derek Wayne Johnson
John G. Avildsen’s films inspired millions of underdogs and shaped popular culture for decades, yet most people don’t even know his name. Discover the unknown legend behind Rocky and The Karate Kid in this documentary about a prolific filmmaker who directed seven actors to Academy Award nominations and earned his own Oscar for Best Director.
Carthage, Texas native, Derek Wayne Johnson is a director, writer and producer now based in Hollywood. In 2014, Johnson began production on John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs. That same year alongside his mentor John Avildsen and the cast and crew of The Karate Kid, Johnson and his team received a Commendation by the City of Los Angeles for their documentary and its association with The Karate Kid legacy.
