After its worldwide premiere at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, “Outriding the Devil” will be shown for the first time in Arizona at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Pollack Cinemas in Tempe.
“Outriding the Devil” tells the comeback story of Angela Ganter, a world champion barrel racer and Texas Rodeo Hall of Famer who overcame stage 4 breast cancer. The film’s title is a reference to the “red devil” chemo she outrode. “Outriding the Devil” has hit No. 1 on IMDb.
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Ganter has been called a “living historical figure with pioneer ranching heritage” and the film traces this lineage from her great-grandfather John Campbell. Campbell ranched on the Brazos in 1850 when it was the Comanche Nation’s domain.
“Outriding the Devil” features “Yellowstone” star Mo Brings Plenty and is narrated by his castmate, Forrie J. Smith. Many notable champions in rodeo are also included: Stetson Wright, a 10-time PRCA World Champion, legendary Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Bob Tallman, PRCA World Champions Shad “Money” Mayfield and the world’s number one saddle bronc rider, Rusty Wright.
Two-time Grammy nominee Radney Foster provides classic and original songs to the soundtrack. Plus, country music singer Ned LeDoux, the son of the legend Chris LeDoux, makes several appearances and shares personal stories throughout the film.
“‘Outriding the Devil’ is no ordinary movie,” said Brings Plenty. “It’s the most amazing true story with an incredible cast. Some of today’s PRCA world champions and ‘Yellowstone’ universe cast members are featured.”
Brings Plenty also credits writer and director Raen LeVell with bringing new life to historic Western legends like Charles Goodnight and Quanah Parker who are connected to Ganter’s pioneer ranching heritage and early rodeo.
“Raen and Taylor (Sheridan) are very similar in some ways. They are both visionaries and amazing storytellers. They also both share my passion to depict our history and culture accurately.”
The odds were against Ganter surviving stage 4 breast cancer. If she did, there was a slim chance she could compete. But Ganter decided otherwise. In the decade-long fight for life, Ganter went from “death’s door’” to the winner’s circle at the Calgary Stampede when she returned. While undergoing treatment, Ganter also coached her daughter, Jackie, to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year title at the NFR.
“In the film, Angela says it will all be worth it if she can change just one life,” Smith said. “She does far more than that. This film will inspire you and make your problems seem like nothing.”
Parts of the docudrama were filmed at Arizona’s historic Mescal Movie Set near Benson, the stage for some of the greatest Westerns, including Steve McQueen’s “Tom Horn,” Clint Eastwood’s “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Tombstone.”
“Outriding the Devil” is directed by multi-award winner LeVell, writer and director of the streaming hit “Buffalo Daze” and produced by Erin E. Mitchell of Arizona’s OTD Productions, Darrell R. Martin and 4M Equine Ranch.
LeVell and cast members will be present for a Q&A after the film.
Watch the trailer here.
Purchase tickets to the premiere here.
