American Underdog is the Centerpiece Event film of the 30th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) — held Nov. 4-21, 2021 and .

The film, opening in theaters on December 25, tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (played by Zachary Levi), who went from a stock boy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback.

St. Louisans need no reminders about Warner’s storied career, which started here with the Rams when he went from essentially unknown backup to starter in 1999 after Trent Green suffered a torn ACL in the preseason. The Rams, of course, won the Super Bowl that season, and Warner and the “Greatest Show on Turf” went on an historic three-year offensive spree that produced a second Super Bowl appearance. Later, Warner did it again, taking the perennially woebegone Arizona Cardinals — another franchise familiar to locals — to their first Super Bowl.

The film centers on Warner’s unique story and the years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player. It is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (played by Anna Paquin), and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. “American Underdog” is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family, and determination.

Also starring Dennis Quaid, the film is directed by the Erwin brothers from a screenplay by Jon Erwin & David Aaron Cohen and Jon Gunn, based on the book “All Things Possible” by Kurt Warner and Michael Silver.

Kurt and Brenda Warner, who served as executive producers on the film, will attend and participate in a post-screening Q&A.

Watch the official teaser trailer for American Underdog.