After winning raves and picking up numerous prizes at a number of industry and regional film festivals (including the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, where it made its world premiere), director Dave Carroll's heartening, homegrown documentary Bending Steel is finally getting a well-deserved digital release across leading VOD platforms, such as iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Instant, as well as its own official site.

Centered around the poignantly shy but strong and determined figure of Chris "Wonder" Shoeck, Bending Steel documents Shoeck's dogged pursuit of his lifelong dream to join the elite and legendary leagues of the Coney Island Strongmen. As Chris embarks on his physically and mentally straining mission, Carroll captures the many surprises, setbacks, and victories that come to define Chris' transformation with edge and emotion, beautifully proving that we can all grow up to become the heroes of our own life.

Shoeck is one of the most inspiring real-life characters the screen has seen in years and his personal journey to professional glory is obvious, must-see viewing for any and all fans of the classic, triumphant underdog story. Carroll and company have crafted a film that has all the ambition, appointments, and artistry necessary for a true and touching study of "the champ," that cinematic staple who is nonetheless brought to newly quaking, muscular life here. Bending Steel is as unfussily uplifting as Rocky and as dazzlingly, movingly tough-minded as The Wrestler in its rousing, regionally-specific dissection of an indelible performer-cum-protagonist, all while standing uniquely, energetically, and sturdily on its own two feet. It should not be missed.

Discover more about this soaring documentary, including future screening opportunities, here.