Wyoming-Made Rodeo Documentary 'Outriding The Devil' Is A National Hit
The documentary 'Outriding The Devil' is a grassroots rodeo blockbuster that has been a hit across the nation. It focuses on the comeback story of barrel racer Angela Ganter, who battled stage-four breast cancer and returned to compete at an elite level. The film also highlights the importance of women in the rodeo world, with a particular focus on the role of mothers and wives behind the scenes.
The film's director, Raen LeVell, believes that the documentary's authenticity and emotional depth are key to its success. He says, 'The beating heart of the film is Rusty Wright's passionate interview about the importance of women in rodeo.'
Rusty Wright, a rodeo champion, was initially asked to do a quick interview for the documentary. However, his off-the-cuff, passionate response became a central part of the film. Wright talks about his own mother, ShaRee Wright, and the other rodeo moms and wives who help keep riders going. He says, 'My mom and the wives behind the scenes deserve just as much recognition as my dad.'
The film also showcases the comeback story of Ganter, who was told she was unlikely to live after a stage-four breast cancer diagnosis. Despite the odds, she refused to give up and returned to rodeo at the highest levels. The chemotherapy that saved her is called the 'red devil,' and it wreaked havoc on her body. However, Ganter's resilience and determination inspired Wright and helped him push through his own personal struggles.
'Outriding The Devil' has been a hit across the nation, with a multi-week run as the No. 1-ranked Western documentary on IMDb and major praise from national outlets like Sports Illustrated. It has also gained elite backing from professional rodeoleaders, who have given it prime screenings at some of the sport's biggest venues, including the National Finals Rodeo.
The film's success is not limited to the national stage. It has also been a hit in Wyoming, where it will have several free premieres ahead. The film will open the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper on June 13, making it one of the rare films to both premiere as an official event of the NFR and later open the college finals as well. From there, it heads to Sheridan for the WYO Rodeo kickoff on July 5 and then to Cheyenne Frontier Days, where it will premiere July 16.
The Wright family is considered rodeo royalty by many, and they have been an integral part of the film. Rusty's brother, Stetson Wright, takes viewers inside the chute as he walks through his mental processes before a ride. Rusty talks about the importance of family sticking together and why he sees rodeo as 'one big family.'
Rodeo is one of America's most dangerous and physically demanding sports. It takes a certain mindset to keep going, one that's hard to sustain without family and friends backing it up. Rusty says, 'The real inspiration is seeing people's struggles and what they had to go through to get there.'
The film's success and its focus on the importance of women in rodeo, resilience, and family have made it a hit across the nation. It has also sparked a conversation about the true meaning of grit and determination, and how they can inspire others to overcome their own struggles.
