Sam Weatherdon, Derek Weatherdon, Brad Brackenridge (Photo via RingRats.ca)
What started as a stage play has transformed into one of Peterborough’s most ambitious independent film projects.
Ring Rats — a story born from the local theatre scene and now nearly ready for the big screen — is the creation of writer and director Derek Weatherdon and his Planet 12 Productions team.
Although the film gives a gritty, heartfelt look at the world of professional wrestling, it’s more of a backdrop to a plot that explores personal sacrifice, perseverance, and family.
The film’s roots stretch back to 2018, when Weatherdon finished writing Ring Rats as a stage production for local actors Brad Brackenridge and Sam Weatherdon. It was set to debut in 2020 before COVID-19 forced theatres to shut down.
When live shows finally returned, Ring Rats made its long-awaited stage debut in early 2023 at The Theatre on King, playing to five sold-out nights and enthusiastic feedback from local audiences.
Weatherdon says a comment from their cinematographer, Adam Martignetti, was the spark that turned the stage production into a movie.
From there, the group began filming on a shoestring budget, relying entirely on volunteer effort, community partnerships, and what Weatherdon describes as “pure passion.”
He says every person involved has been donating their time and talent to make the film happen.
That local commitment extends well beyond the cast and crew. Every major creative role — from cinematography to editing — is filled by Peterborough talent, and even the soundtrack is powered by music from local bands.
Weatherdon says Peterborough is at the heart of the project, both in front of and behind the camera.
There are also local Easter eggs — scenes filmed at Harold Town and The Venue, a Kawartha Dairy cameo, and a key sequence shot at Fork It restaurant on Charlotte Street.
Beyond the regional connections, Ring Rats aims to resonate on a deeper emotional level. Despite its wrestling backdrop, Weatherdon says the story is ultimately about family, resilience, and the drive to keep fighting — both inside and outside the ring.
He says the story explores what happens when passion and personal sacrifice collide.
The project is now entering its final stages of production, with principal photography expected to wrap in January and a local premiere planned for spring 2026. A trailer for the film has just been released, giving audiences their first look at the story and its local settings. Weatherdon says they’re in talks to host the debut in Peterborough before submitting to the festival circuit and exploring streaming options.
From stage to screen, Ring Rats has become a full-circle Peterborough story — built on dedication, community, and creativity. Weatherdon says it’s proof that when a city comes together, even the smallest idea can make a big impact.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
