Award-Winning Rodeo Documentary ‘Outriding the Devil’ Premieres In Abilene
Abilene doesn’t just make headlines; it is the story. And on March 15, the spotlight swings straight back to the Key City when the documentary Outriding the Devil hits the historic Paramount Theatre as part of its Texas Premiere Tour.
A Rodeo Story With Deep Abilene Roots
This isn’t just another Western flick; it’s a jaw-dropping true story centered on Abilene’s own Angela Ganter and her daughter Jackie. The film debuted at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas (basically the Super Bowl of rodeo), and the buzz hasn’t slowed down since.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, doctors weren’t sure Angela would survive, much less ride again. Yet after a decade-long fight, she returned to competition and rode all the way to victory at the Calgary Stampede. Yeah… let that sink in.
During her illness, she also coached Jackie to the WPRA Rookie of the Year title at the NFR. Talk about multitasking under pressure.
Packed With Rodeo Legends And Western History
The film features a who’s-who of rodeo royalty, including Stetson Wright, Fallon Taylor, Ky Hamilton, Zeke Thurston, Haven Meged, and legendary announcer Bob Tallman. It’s narrated by Yellowstone’s Forrie J. Smith, who admitted, “I remember almost choking up… This film will inspire you and make your problems seem like nothing.”
And it doesn’t stop at modern rodeo. The documentary stretches from frontier Texas in the 1850s to present-day arenas, weaving in rare footage of early Western legends and deep ranching history tied to figures like Charles Goodnight and Quanah Parker, part of Ganter’s own heritage.
A Hometown Premiere Worth Showing Up For
This isn’t just a movie night, it’s a hometown moment. The Paramount Theatre screening marks a rare chance to see a world-premiere-level film about local heroes right here where their story began.
As narrator Forrie J. Smith puts it: “When you watch a rodeo, the spirit that made America looks back.”
Honestly, if that doesn’t give you goosebumps, check your pulse.
More About Outriding The Devil Movie
Directed by Raen LeVell and featuring music by Texas Hall of Fame songwriter Radney Foster, Outriding the Devil has already climbed to a #1 ranking on IMDb and is being called one of the great rodeo films ever made.
For show details and updates, visit the official site: otdmovie.com
Gallery: Behind The Scenes Of ‘Outriding the Devil’
Gallery Credit: Chaz
Inside Abilene’s Paramount Theatre Texas Historical Landmark
Gallery Credit: Chaz
LOOK: This Is The Kind Of Fun That Takes Place At The Western Heritage Rodeo
Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez
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