Canada Jennifer Lopez plays mother in the drama "Unstoppable"

Jennifer Lopez (55) has felt a close connection to the real person she plays in the sports drama "Unstoppable". "After my first Zoom conversation with Judy Robles, I felt compelled to tell her story," the actress said at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Friday night (local time). The world premiere of the sports drama was celebrated by the audience with minutes of applause.

The film by director William Goldenberg is based on the true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), a wrestling champion who was born with only one leg. Lopez plays his mother Judy - who came on stage after the movie and embraced the actress in tears.

It was Judy's struggle with domestic violence in particular that made her accept the role, Lopez said in Toronto. "Even though we are so different and have had such different lives, at our core, at our hearts, we are mothers first. And beyond that, we've had similar struggles."

"Unstoppable" was produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. According to media reports, Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck at the end of August. While Damon came to Toronto for the presentation of the film, Affleck was not present at the premiere.

SDA