A FRINTON film-maker is hoping Christmas sales will boost the popularity of his award-winning movie.

Tony Longhurst’s independent boxing film, Ten Percent, was released on DVD this year, with a special edition in the shops for Christmas.

The black-and-white film is set in Thirties Chicago, but filmed in Frinton, Colchester, Hertfordshire and London.

It focuses on the events and characters surrounding the politically-charged 1937 World Heavyweight Title bout between James Braddock and Joe Louis.

The fight made history as it was the first time in 20 years a black man had been allowed to fight for the title. Its outcome made Louis only the second black heavyweight champion at the time.

It was adapted from critically-acclaimed stage show Long live the King, which was written by Mr Longhurst.

The writer and film-maker said: “We have worked really hard to get to this point. It was really nice to win an award, and that meant we could eventually get it released on DVD, since we knew that was where it would be most popular.

“Reaction has been really good, and we are hoping it will prove popular with Christmas shoppers.”

The film has been praised by boxing professionals Harry Holland and Rocky Kelly, as well as national newspaper boxing pundit, Colin Hart.

Ten Percent was shot in 2006, and 2007, and given a limited release in cinemas in 2008.

Its premiere was at the Electric Palace, in Harwich, but it was also show at ten other British cinemas. In 2007 it won an award at the Irish Waterford Film Festival.

Ten Percent also stars co-writer Mr Longhurst in the role of title holder James Braddock.

Mr Longhurst added: “I’ve just started work on a film for next year, a gangster thriller called Babysitters. I’m very proud of Ten Percent but I need to do something a bit more commercial.”