Legendary bull rider Ricky Ringer is profiled in Tony Rammos’ documentary.
Opening today on digital platforms and in limited theatrical release: Ride Till I Die, producer-director Tony Rammos’ documentary portrait of legendary bull rider Ricky Ringer.
According to the Gravitas Pictures press notes:
“Born and raised in Davie, Florida, Ricky Ringer came from a troubled past.
“His father walked out on his family, and Ricky was on his own at 15 years old. But he had already found solace in bull riding. The eight-second duel of man versus beast was his emancipation, and Ricky was successful early and often. Prize money earned in the arena was adding up, and a chance to make the pro circuit was in sight.
“But despite all his success, Ricky could never win a championship. And with the rigorous schedule came a heavy price. Ricky suffered many injuries, including a horrific incident in 2010 where his face was crushed, which nearly ended his career.
“Now at age 39, Ricky realizes his time is running out. His body is constantly in pain as over two decades of bull riding has taken its toll. Despite all the broken bones and permanent scars, Ricky keeps riding, and with his son, Lil’ Ricky, and fellow rider Ernie Courson by his side, Ricky is determined to chase that elusive title or die trying.”
“I’ve often wondered,” says producer-director Rammos, “why bull riders subject themselves to punishment. Why do they keep riding after all the broken bones and surgeries? I understand it’s their passion. It’s their obsession. But there always has to be an underlying story.”
By focusing on Ringer, “I wanted to take this story beyond the bright lights of the arena where the bull riders take center stage in front of an audience. My desire was to show what goes on beyond the chutes and behind the gate. I wanted the viewer to see the dark side of this grueling sport — the rider’s psychological warfare and state of mind before mounting the bull and the agony or ecstasy after each ride.
While filming Ride Till I Die, “Most of the rodeos we attended were not the big pro circuits. The winning purses were not an extraordinary amount of money and there wasn’t thousands of dollars in sponsorship money. Nor was there a multitude of fans waiting to get autographs or even a picture. It’s just the rider, with his competitors of on his own, who walks away — barring injury, of course — and lives to fight another day.”
Here is the trailer for Ride Till I Die.
