Keith Powers had an emotional reaction to Ryan Destiny’s new film.
The Rugobes the actor, 32, spoke to PEOPLE at the EBONY Power 100 Gala about his longtime friend’s film Fire from withinwhich arrives in theaters on December 25.
“Ryan killed him,” Powers says. “[It] I cried many times when I saw it. I feel she really embodied the character. She transformed.”
Fire from within tells the true story of boxer Claressa Shields, played by Destiny, 29. The film portrays Shields as a high school student preparing for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Brian Tyree Henry, 42, stars as Shields’ trainer Jason Crutchfield in the film written and produced by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins.
“It’s a beautiful film directed by Rachel Morrison,” says Powers. “Brian Tyree Henry did his thing. Of course, along with the great Barry Jenkins. I have to get involved. I have to check it out.”
Powers adds, “It’s the perfect vehicle for people to see what Ryan can do.”
Fire from within First Look: Boxer Claressa Shields’ Inspirational Story Comes to Life (Exclusive)
The Straight from Compton the star also talked about the film’s overall impact.
“It’s really huge not only for us — but for black women, especially black women in sports and what they’ve had to deal with and what Claressa Shields has had to deal with,” Powers explains. “Say hello to Claressa Shields, her story is simply beautiful.”
He also manifests Destiny by receiving certain accolades for the role.
“I’m hoping for an award nomination,” says Powers. “I feel like she’s already won an award because the movie is so amazing. I said, ‘Hey, you did your job. Everything else is just extra credit.’ ”
Ryan Destiny in ‘The Fire Inside’ as Claressa Shields.
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Powers and Destiny, who dated for four years until they divorced in 2022, first met at Teen Vogue party in 2015. Since their split, a source confirmed to PEOPLE in 2022, the two have remained close friends and continue to support each other in their careers.
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“Time for each other is not an issue,” Powers tells PEOPLE. “I feel like we already spend so much time with each other because we’re like best friends. So we will make it successful. … We don’t need too much. We are really simple people, really grounded people. So it’s easier that way.”
She adds that I am happy as long as she is well.
Fateful Fire from within opens in theaters on December 25.
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Source: HIS Education