After more than four decades of running Rochester's most favorite restaurants, including Sticky Lips BBQ and Chester Cab Pizza, entrepreneur and documentary producerHoward Nielsenis stepping into filmmaking with a passion project that hits close to home. His newly completed screenplay,HOLLEDER: BLACK KNIGHT ON THE HUDSON, tells the inspiring true story ofDon Holleder- aRochester, NY-bred athlete, Aquinas Institute and West Point football star, and Vietnam War hero.
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“I've had this movie idea for over thirty-five years,” says Nielsen. “I finally have the time to make my dream a reality – and to honor one of Rochester's greats.”
Holleder, born in Buffalo and raised in Rochester, attended the Aquinas Institute, where he led one of the region's most celebrated football teams in a brand-new 20,000-seat stadium. He later played for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, earned All-American honors as an end, and appeared on the cover ofSports Illustrated. Later, as aMajor in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Holleder gave his life to save fellow soldiers during the Battle of Ong Thanh. He was posthumously awarded theSilver Star Medaland laid to rest atArlington National Cemetery.
“Holleder's story has the heart ofRemember the Titansand the emotional power ofHacksawRidge,” Nielsen explains. “It's about courage, faith, and sacrifice over fame – an authentic heroism.”
Nielsen collaborated with Writers Guild of America's screenwriter Paul Root, resulting in a 126-page screenplay that will beadapted into a feature-length film. Based on the bookA Spartan Game: The Life and Loss of Don Hollederby Terry Tibbetts, the script traces Holleder's journey from Buffalo and Rochester to West Point and, ultimately, to the battlefields of Vietnam. A decorated athlete and natural leader, Holleder answered a higher call. Trading the roar of the stadium for the perils of war, he made the ultimate sacrifice to save his fellow soldiers. The screenplay blends drama and true-life courage, spanning from post-war America to the innocence of the 1950s, and ending in the Vietnam era.
Nielsen is exploringscript acquisitionsandinvestor partnershipsfor afull-scale production. In November, he will attend theAmerican Film Marketin Los Angelesto connect with potential producers and industry partners.
Nielsen previously produced sports documentaries, includingWhen Football Was Bigger Than LifeandIrondequoit: Lacrosse Town U.S.A.
AboutHOLLEDER: BLACK KNIGHT ON THE HUDSON
An Aquinas Institute All-Star and West Point All-American who traded glory for duty,Don Hollederrose above the game of football to embody what it means to lead with selflessness and conviction. From the football field to the front lines of the battlefield, his story is a testament to courage under fire and the enduring power of character. This screenplay celebrates an all-American tale of leadership and sacrifice.
Media Inquiries, Investment Opportunities, or Script Requests Contact:Howard Nielsen,singlewingproductions.com, 585-451-0066,howie@stickylipsbbq.com
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SOURCE Howard Nielsen, Single Wing Productions
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