Born a Champion
| Born a Champion | |
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Official poster | |
| Directed by | Alex Ranarivelo |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Reuben Steinberg |
| Edited by | Brett Hedlund |
| Music by | Austin Wintory |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Running time | 112 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Born a Champion is a 2021 American martial arts drama directed by Alex Ranarivelo and written by Sean Patrick Flanery and Ranarivelo. It stars Flanery, Dennis Quaid and Katrina Bowden. The film also features mixed martial arts fighter Edson Barboza, with appearances by Renzo Gracie and Mickey Gall.[1][2]
Plot
Mickey Kelley, a former U.S. Marine and one of the first American black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, gets pulled away from everything he loves and into an unsanctioned MMA tournament.
Cast
- Sean Patrick Flanery as Mickey Kelley
- Katrina Bowden as Layla
- Dennis Quaid as Mason
- Maurice Compte as Rosco
- Currie Graham as Burchman
- Costas Mandylor as Dimitris
- Reno Wilson as Terry Pittman
- Ali Afshar as The Sheik
- Edson Barboza as Marco Blaine
Production
Forrest Films announced their intent to film Born a Champion, then titled Mickey Kelley, in July 2019. Alex Ranarivelo was named as the director and actors Sean Patrick Flanery, Katrina Bowden, and Dennis Quaid were also announced as some of the film's central characters. Flanery also served as one of the film's producers and co-wrote the script alongside Ranarivelo.[3] Flanery called the film a "love letter to BJJ" in the film's credits, as a result of "what it's done for me; how it's changed me; what it's done for my perspective on life, love and happiness and family."[4]
Filming took place in Petaluma, California during the summer of 2019 and wrapped in August of the same year.[5][6]
Release
The film received a limited release in select theaters in the United States on January 22, 2021 and became available via video on demand the same day.[7] It was released on Blu-ray and DVD on January 26, 2021.[8][9]
References
- ^ Cruz, Guilherme (December 1, 2020). "Trailers, release date revealed for 'Born a Champion,' movie starring UFC fighter Edson Barboza". MMAFighting.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
- ^ Clements, Averi. "Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Sean Patrick Flanery Stars In Upcoming MMA Movie "Born A Champion"". Jiu-Jitsu Times. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (July 16, 2019). "Mixed Martial Arts Pic 'Mickey Kelley' To Star Sean Patrick Flanery, Katrina Bowden, Dennis Quaid & MMA Fighters Renzo Grazie, Edson Barboza & Mickey Gall". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 16, 2019. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
- ^ Tall, Kevin (January 18, 2021). "Sean Patrick Flanery Says He'd Have Pursued MMA If Sport Emerged Sooner, Offers Hope For 'Boondock Saints 3'". The Inquisitr. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
- ^ "Local Hollywood director wraps up latest Petaluma movie with Dennis Quaid in supporting role". Petaluma Argus-Courier. August 8, 2019. Archived from the original on January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
- ^ "July 11 Arts and Entertainment Source: Movie producer returns to home Petaluma". Times-Herald. July 9, 2019. Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
- ^ Renner, Brian. "Everything You Need to Know About Born A Champion Movie". Movieinsider.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
- ^ Cranswick, Amie (November 22, 2020). "Sean Patrick Flanery, Dennis Quaid and Katrina Bowden star in trailer for Born a Champion". Flickering Myth. Retrieved December 18, 2020.
- ^ Dawson, Angela (January 20, 2021). "Sean Patrick Flanery Brings Passion For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu To The Screen With 'Born A Champion'". Forbes. Retrieved January 28, 2021.