From Sumerian Records to Hollywood: Ash Avildsen’s Journey of Legacy, Resilience, and Vision
Updated: Mar 7
Ash Avildsen is a man of many talents: filmmaker, entrepreneur, and visionary behind Sumerian Records and Sumerian Comics. The son of Oscar-winning director John Avildsen, Ash’s life and career have been shaped by both his father’s legacy and his own relentless pursuit of creativity. Known for founding one of the most influential rock labels in the world, Sumerian Records, Ash transitioned into filmmaking with a bold vision, writing and directing Queen of the Ring, a film that is already generating Oscar buzz. This deeply personal project—about Mildred Burke, the world’s first million-dollar female athlete—marks a major step in Ash's journey, blending his passion for storytelling with his own experiences of resilience, identity, and family. With a stellar cast, a gripping true story, and a powerful exploration of what it means to be a trailblazer, Queen of the Ring is poised to make Ash one of the next big voices in Hollywood. We sat down with him to discuss his career, his relationship with his late father, and how this film represents the culmination of a lifelong creative journey.
Miami Living (ML): Welcome, Ash! It's an honor to speak with you today. You've had such a fascinating career—from starting a record label out of your tiny Venice apartment with little more than a laptop, to now writing and directing a film that's already generating Oscar buzz. Was there a particular moment when you realized things were starting to turn around and really take off for you?
Ash: I think a big moment for me was when I was able to move from the East Coast to Venice, pay for my own apartment, and start running my own little entertainment company. It was very DIY, punk rock, but it brought me to the place I had always wanted to live. It was then that I thought, "maybe I might have a shot after all".
ML: Your father, John Avildsen, was an iconic filmmaker, renowned for directing Rocky and The Karate Kid franchise, both of which left an indelible mark on cinema. Growing up, you had an estranged relationship with him, but in your 30s, you were able to reconnect. Can you share what that reconnection was like and how it transformed your view of both him and your own path in life?
Ash: It was one of the most surreal experiences in my life. It was also cathartic, to say the least. You know, growing up with the last name of someone whose art you deeply admire but whom you had such resentment for on a personal level is a really challenging dichotomy for one’s emotions. But after meeting him, becoming the best of friends, hearing his answers to the hard questions about our past, and treating me as a true son of his own, it was so beautiful. Now that I’m a father, experiencing with my little one all the things I never did growing up, it all feels like a dream. I cherish every moment with my kiddo. Literally every moment. As for my father and I, I’ll have to tell the story of his passing and our final moment together as he took his last breath on camera sometime. Wow, neither of us could have ever dreamt of writing a more powerful ending. I will say this for sure, and many of my best friends and my therapist would agree, I don’t think I would be the man I am today if I hadn’t finally become friends with my pops and shared the magical bond that we had. There would have been a sad, broken part of me inside that may have never fully healed.
ML: And of course, we’re all excited to talk about Queen of the Ring! Set to be released in 2025, Queen of the Ring is based on the true story of Mildred Burke, a trailblazing woman in the male-dominated field of wrestling. How did you first come across this inspiring story? And what was it about Mildred’s story that really pulled you in?
Ash: All credit to the legend Jim Ross for telling me about the book. There are so many elements of Mildred’s story that pulled me in, but really it was seeing this young single mother with all the odds against her in an era where it was next to impossible to do what she dreamed of and just how she refused to give up. Seeing how she didn’t choose between her family and her passion, and did whatever it took to make both work, it was just so inspiring and punk rock. And then as a lifelong pro wrestling fan, learning that not only was it illegal back then for women to wrestle, but they also had to have shoot matches where they fight for real in the ring, I was HOOKED.
ML: Before Queen of the Ring, you directed projects like American Satan and Paradise City, which helped establish your voice as a filmmaker. How did those projects prepare you for tackling a film of the scale of Queen of the Ring?
Ash: Those were great ways for me to learn the ropes, no pun intended. :) However Queen of the Ring feels like the first time I actually really knew what I was doing.
ML: Your father’s Rocky became a symbol of the underdog overcoming the odds, and now, with Queen of the Ring, you’re telling the story of Mildred Burke, another unlikely champion in the ring. Given your personal history with your father’s legacy, do you feel like you’re coming full circle in a way—telling a story of resilience and triumph that echoes the themes of Rocky, but from your own unique perspective as a filmmaker?
Ash: Yes, exactly what you said… And it’s not like there’s much self-induced expectation or pressure for this. You know, having the last name Avildsen and making an underdog sports drama, no big deal, right? Just another Tuesday. One of my favorite things I learned recently about the Rocky rollout was when they got a scathing New York Times review that totally destroyed the film the week before it was released, and Sly thought they were doomed. Then, of course, it came out and changed American cinema forever. Just goes to show that everyone has their own opinion of art, and they’re entitled to have it. Doesn’t mean it’s a reflection of how others feel, though. So to everyone who puts themselves out there to be judged: fuck ’em all, as long as you love what you do.
ML: To touch a little upon your professional ties in the music and comic book industry, you’ve named both your record label and comic book company "Sumerian" - Sumerian Records and Sumerian Comics - which is such a unique and intriguing choice. Is there a story behind that name, and how does it reflect your vision for both of these creative ventures?
Ash: This is a 10 page answer :) But researching the Sumerian civilization (thanks to History Channel and Zecharia Sitchin at a young age) I just fell in love with it. And in my opinion, it really explained so many mysteries (whether fact or fiction, they were just so fascinating) about early days of society and humanity.
ML: Looking back on everything you’ve accomplished—from founding Sumerian Records to making your mark in film and comics—what’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self, especially when you were first starting out and figuring out your path?
Ash: Don’t be so hard on yourself. Breathe. Forgive. Prioritize health and peace of mind. And watch Gone With the Wind at an earlier age to learn where my mom got my name Ashley and to see a movie that teaches you so much about life.
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