Rachel Morrison Discusses Directorial Debut in The Fire Inside and Hints at Upcoming Ryan Coogler Project

Rachel Morrison is making her feature film directorial debut with The Fire Inside. At 46, Morrison has carved her niche in Hollywood over the past two decades, predominantly as a cinematographer, making significant contributions to acclaimed films such as Fruitvale Station and Black Panther. In recent years, she has explored directing, notably helming episodes of The Morning Show and The Mandalorian during the mid-2010s to early 2020s.

In The Fire Inside, Morrison tells the inspiring story of Claressa Shields, a boxer hailing from Flint, Michigan. Shields achieved Olympic Gold Medalist status in her teenage years, thrilling audiences both in and out of the ring. The film sheds light on Shields’ journey, highlighting the challenges she faced beyond her sporting achievements. Ryan Destiny, known for her role in Grown-ish, portrays Claressa Shields in this compelling narrative.

On the occasion of the film’s theatrical release, ScreenRant sat down with Morrison to discuss her motivations for choosing this particular project, the challenges faced during the pandemic-affected production schedule, and her aspirations for future collaborations with renowned director Ryan Coogler.

Discovering Claressa’s Story

“It was a story that deserved to be out in the world…”

Claressa looks determined in boxing gear in a scene from The Fire Inside

ScreenRant: This marks your first time in the director’s chair for a feature film after a successful career in cinematography. Why did you feel that this story was an appropriate choice for your debut?

Rachel Morrison: My unfamiliarity with Claressa’s story deeply attracted me to it. I felt a strong compulsion to share her narrative. She’s not only an inspiring figure but also a significant part of boxing history. Her accomplishments in the ring are incredible, but her fight for gender equality in sports outside the ring makes her story truly deserving of a platform.

Overcoming Production Challenges

“You owe it to them to be incredibly careful with it…”

Claressa alongside her coach in The Fire Inside

The film’s production was initially set to begin on March 11, 2020, and wrapped filming in the summer of 2022. Despite navigating numerous delays, the film has been well-received on the festival circuit and is now ready for a broader audience. Given the significant time and effort invested, how did you ensure the quality of the film without succumbing to the pressures of deadlines?

Rachel Morrison: Telling the story of a real person comes with immense responsibility. It’s crucial to handle each aspect with care and authenticity, expressing Claressa’s journey and capturing the essence of Flint as a community. My commitment to getting this right hinged on respect for Claressa, her family, and the fight for equality that we aimed to portray. I want to do justice to her remarkable journey, especially for young women and young black women who can find inspiration in her story. After all, everyone has noble intents driven by love, and I hoped to reflect that in our film’s narrative.

Future Collaborations with Ryan Coogler

“I know that they’re looking to try to produce something that I direct…”

Ryan Coogler, acclaimed director of Black Panther

Having frequently collaborated with Ryan Coogler on projects like Fruitvale Station and Black Panther, are there plans for another partnership in the future?

Rachel Morrison: Ryan and his company, Proximity, are actively seeking opportunities to produce work directed by me. It’s exciting to see what he and cinematographer Autumn [Durald Arkapaw] are creating with Sinners, a project I helped initiate by connecting them. Though it’s bittersweet not being behind the lens on this one, I appreciate Ryan’s encouragement for me to continue sharing my own stories. There’s real potential for a future collaboration where we can bring to life a narrative that resonates with both of our passions.

Overview of The Fire Inside

The Fire Inside depicts the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, often regarded as the greatest female boxer in history. The film narrates Claressa’s journey as a high school junior in Flint, Michigan, where, under the guidance of her tenacious coach, Jason Crutchfield, she perseveres to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. Yet, even amid her triumphant achievements, Claressa grapples with the harsh reality that not all dreams are equal, emphasizing that the fight for recognition and respect is only beginning.

Watch the trailer here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFyNvUmJzmE

THE FIRE INSIDE | Official Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFyNvUmJzmE)

Stay tuned for more interviews related to The Fire Inside, including discussions with: