Born a Champion explained

Born a Champion
Director:Alex Ranarivelo
Cinematography:Reuben Steinberg
Editing:Brett Hedlund
Music:Austin Wintory
Runtime: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 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

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cruz. Guilherme . Trailers, release date revealed for 'Born a Champion,' movie starring UFC fighter Edson Barboza . MMAFighting.com . December 1, 2020 . 2020-12-18.
  2. Web site: Clements . Averi . Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Sean Patrick Flanery Stars In Upcoming MMA Movie "Born A Champion" . Jiu-Jitsu Times . 2020-12-18.
  3. Web site: 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. 2021-01-05. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190716174532/https://deadline.com/2019/07/mixed-martial-arts-pic-mickey-kelley-to-star-sean-patrick-flanery-katrina-bowden-dennis-quaid-mma-fighters-renzo-grazie-edson-barboza-mickey-gall-1202647027/ . 2019-07-16 .
  4. News: Tall . Kevin . Sean Patrick Flanery Says He'd Have Pursued MMA If Sport Emerged Sooner, Offers Hope For 'Boondock Saints 3' . 31 January 2021 . The Inquisitr . 18 January 2021.
  5. Web site: August 8, 2019. Local Hollywood director wraps up latest Petaluma movie with Dennis Quaid in supporting role. Petaluma Argus-Courier. 2021-01-05.
  6. Web site: July 9, 2019. July 11 Arts and Entertainment Source: Movie producer returns to home Petaluma. Times-Herald. 2021-01-05.
  7. Web site: Renner. Brian . Everything You Need to Know About Born A Champion Movie . Movieinsider.com . 2020-12-18.
  8. Web site: Cranswick. Amie . November 22, 2020 . Sean Patrick Flanery, Dennis Quaid and Katrina Bowden star in trailer for Born a Champion . Flickering Myth . 2020-12-18.
  9. Web site: Dawson. Angela . January 20, 2021 . Sean Patrick Flanery Brings Passion For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu To The Screen With 'Born A Champion' . Forbes . 2021-01-28.