Logline

Haunted by his actions in Afghanistan, former Marine Freddie embarks on a journey of redemption in Puerto Rico, forging connections with his deceased friend's family. Amidst guilt and the lurking demons in his shadows, he enters the boxing ring, fighting to mend his personal torment.

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The Synopsis

Amidst the brutal chaos of the Afghan battlefield, a young Marine named Freddie inadvertently causes the tragic death of his best friend, Javier. The weight of this shattering incident has forever altered the course of his life. Haunted by Javier’s ghost, Freddie is tormented both mentally and physically. Javier, consumed by anger and betrayal, accuses Freddie of abandoning him on the battlefield and trying to "take over" the life he left behind.

Seeking solace and redemption, Freddie travels to Puerto Rico, drawn to Javier’s grieving girlfriend and orphaned son. Desperate to atone, he tries to bridge the void created by his actions. His path crosses with Javier’s brother, a skilled boxing trainer, who takes Freddie under his wing. Through him, Freddie is introduced to the legacy of Puerto Rican boxing and the island's deep passion for the sport.

The Synopsis

Within the boxing ring, Freddie finds a sanctuary—a place to confront not only his physical limitations but also the internal battles that haunt him. Each punch thrown and absorbed becomes a reflection of his guilt, anger, and longing for redemption. As his relationships with Javier’s girlfriend and her son deepen, Freddie begins to take on the roles of brother, father, and lover. But these connections only intensify the torment he endures from Javier’s ghost, who relentlessly questions his loyalty and the choices that led them to this point.

Freddie grapples with questions of responsibility, fate, and self-worth, his journey echoing the larger struggles of war veterans seeking to reclaim their lives. In a world fraught with pain and yearning for healing, The Long Fight illuminates the universal themes of trauma, resilience, and hope. It is a story about facing one’s demons—both real and imagined—and finding redemption where it is least expected.

Continued

Director's statement

As a filmmaker, I am profoundly shaped by narratives that gradually unfold, allowing us to intimately understand the characters. Growing up, I immersed myself in films from the 70s, where characters returned from battle bearing scars. These experiences taught me that the allure of films often lies in their character development and the raw conflicts drawn from real life. I realized that my emotions weren't solely stirred by action and adventure in major summer blockbusters; they were equally moved by the depths of family drama and personal struggles depicted in thoughtful, quieter independent films. Additionally, I felt a strong urge to craft a character rooted in my passion for boxing and the rich tapestry of Puerto Rican culture. For both my character and myself, Puerto Rico becomes a haven of healing. It has served as a refuge during pivotal moments in my life. Boxing, in my eyes, is a metaphorical outlet for anyone grappling with personal demons—a means to release and confront those inner struggles within the realm of sport.

Director's statement

This poignant narrative resonates deeply in today's world, mirroring the struggles of countless veterans who return from war bearing not only physical wounds but also the invisible scars of survivor's guilt. Freddie's odyssey reflects the struggles of integrating into a society that may not fully grasp the complexities of the internal wars he fights. It under-scores the ongoing battles with trauma and the intricate tapestry of relationships that can provide both solace and turbulence in the face of personal demons.

Continued

We all have somethng to fight for

Writer & Director
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Jeffrey, a filmmaker raised in both Detroit and France, transitioned from an award-winning advertising creative director to directing. He has created six short films, a feature documentary, and garnered recognition at 35 international film festivals. Notably, his film "FIVE" earned him the Best Director award at the Madrid International Film Festival and the Best Film award at Italy's Verci di Luci Film Festival. His filmography includes noteworthy works like "AMERICAN AUTO," "ESPERAME," "SPERFECT," "MUSEUM FOR THE PEOPLE," "NO PLACE TO FALL," and "ANNIVERSARIO," the latter securing him the Best Director title at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. He has collaborated globally, benefiting from guidance by mentors such as Judy Hoffman, Albert Maysles, and Wim Wenders. An alumnus of the Berlinale Talent Campus and Reykjavik International Film Festival Talent Lab, he is also a proud member of the Directors Guild of America.
Executive Producer
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Maeliosa Tiernan is an award-winning producer with a global presence in both film and television. Her work with companies like Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, and Lexus has garnered international acclaim, with her films and documentaries winning recognition at renowned festivals worldwide. As an executive producer, Tiernan's strategic vision has been crucial to the success of numerous productions, earning her widespread recognition. With production ties in Los Angeles and Dublin, she has a significant influence in the entertainment industry. Notably, Tiernan has shot on all seven continents, demonstrating her commitment to navigating diverse production crews, cultures, and landscapes.
Producer
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James Gavsie is an accomplished producer with a diverse portfolio in film and television. He has produced and executive produced numerous projects, including As It's Remembered (2022), The Other Side: Live or Die (2018), Digital Sky (2019), and SuperHero Diaries (2021). His experience spans TV series, short films, and digital media, contributing to the development of various content across genres.
In addition to his film credits, James is a seasoned combat sports professional and writer with over 20 years of experience. Currently, he serves as a consultant at WePlay Holding and is the producer of WUFL MMA, overseeing writing, casting, and production. He also owns MAX Impact Martial Arts, a private school in Pacific Palisades, California, which he has operated since 2004.
James' expertise extends to his time as a producer, writer, and partner at Zoit Media from 2020 to 2022, and as Senior VP of Combat Sports at MCB Network Corp. from 2015 to 2017, where he helped expand combat sports programming and brand integration. With a strong foundation in martial arts and film production, James continues to be a key figure in both entertainment and combat sports.
Producer
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Javier Enrique Perez is one of Puerto Rico's most established producers and first assistant directors in the film industry. With an impressive career, his portfolio includes notable projects such as "Stranded in Paradise" (TV Movie), where he served as a producer on, "Incógnita" (TV Series), and "Looking for Maria Sanchez," for which he was the producer in 2013. Additionally, Javier worked as a producer for "Infiltrados" (TV Movie) in 2010. He has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the Puerto Rican film industry, known for his outstanding work in production and direction.
Cinematographer
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Nicolas Trovato is a renowned Argentine cinematographer recognized for his exceptional work in both film and television. With notable credits including "Cosmic Chaos" (2023), "A Trip to the Moon" (2017), and "Asfixiados" (2023), Trovato has solidified his reputation as a master of visual storytelling.
His cinematic talents have earned him widespread acclaim, with six of his movies available on Netflix, a testament to his global reach and popularity. Trovato's keen eye for composition and lighting has brought depth and richness to each project he undertakes, captivating audiences worldwide.
As one of Argentina's top cinematographers, Trovato continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the industry with his innovative techniques and unparalleled dedication to his craft.
Stunt & Fight Coordinator
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Lehr’s extensive experience in stunts is highlighted by his roles as a fight coordinator and stunt performer in high-profile films and series. His impressive stunt work is featured in Bullet Train (2022), Samaritan (2022), and John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019). In addition to these major productions, he has also contributed to various music videos, video games, and TV series, demonstrating his adaptability and expertise across different media.
As an assistant director and actor, Lehr has been involved in notable projects such as Day Shift (2022), Mulan (2020), and Alita: Battle Angel (2019). In both Mulan and Alita: Battle Angel, his expertise in stunts and action coordination played a crucial role in bringing these epic stories to life.
Behind the scenes, Lehr has made significant contributions as a second unit director and assistant director on upcoming projects like Mortal Kombat 2 (2025) and the TV mini-series The Continental (2023). His directorial credits include short films such as Jester Must Die (2022) and Kill (2015), where his creative vision and storytelling skills are evident.
SFX Makeup Head
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Douglas Noe, born on January 18 in Seoul, South Korea, is a distinguished Hollywood makeup artist whose career spans over three decades. An award-winning talent, Noe has been recognized with three Emmy nominations, including a win for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Miniseries, Movie Or A Special for Stephen King's The Shining (1997). He has also received five Makeup Artist and Hairstylist (MUAHS) Award nominations, with two wins.
Noe’s extensive filmography boasts an impressive array of high-profile projects, including World War Z (2013), Planet of the Apes (2001), Spider-Man 3 (2007), I Saw the Light (2015), and Birth of a Nation (2016). Notably, his work on The Fighter (2010), a critically acclaimed boxing film, contributed significantly to the film’s authentic portrayal of the sport. His other notable credits include The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), The Lion King (2019), The Mummy (2017), Sucker Punch (2011), Watchmen (2009), Hannibal (2001), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), and Sin City (2005).
On top of these impressive credits, Noe is best known for his role as Tom Hiddleston’s personal makeup artist since The Avengers (2012), designing all of Loki’s looks throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Composer
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Justin Caine Burnett is a distinguished composer known for his extensive contributions to film and television music. Born on May 2, 1973, Burnett has garnered acclaim with 1 win and 4 nominations for his work. His notable credits include The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024), The Equalizer (2014), After (2019), and The Patient (2022). Burnett has also made significant contributions to high-profile films such as Gladiator (2000) and The Town (2010). His career began with Hans Zimmer on films like Broken Arrow (1996), The Prince of Egypt (1998), and Gladiator, and continued with Harry Gregson-Williams on projects like Spy Game (2001), Man on Fire (2004), and Cowboys & Aliens (2011). Additionally, Burnett scored An American Haunting (2005) under the pseudonym Caine Davidson, showcasing his versatility in film music.
Burnett’s career began with a solid foundation working alongside Hans Zimmer from 1995 to 2000, and he further expanded his influence through his partnership with Harry Gregson-Williams from 2000 onwards. His work with Walter Werzowa at Musikvergnuegen between 2000 and 2005 on commercials and trailers added depth to his experience. Significant films scored by Burnett include Possums (1998), Dungeons & Dragons (2000), and other projects like I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006) and Crave (2012). Burnett’s extensive body of work reflects his enduring impact and skill in enhancing cinematic storytelling through music.
SFX Makeup
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Inspired by the TV show Supernatural, Alyssa first explored SFX makeup when she dressed up as a character for Comic-Con and tried out a slit-throat effect. After receiving enthusiastic feedback, she decided to pursue Special Effects (SFX) makeup and quickly developed a passion for the craft, particularly enjoying the challenge of creating effects that shock and gross people out. With seven years of experience, Alyssa has expanded her skill set to include beauty, film, and character makeup. In 2019, she graduated from Hollywood’s Cinema Makeup School with the Complete Track and is a member of IATSE Local 706.
Alyssa's notable credits include work on Paper Flowers (2024) as Assistant Makeup Artist, Nyctophobia (2024) as Key Makeup Artist and Special Makeup Effects Artist, and Dutch II: Angel's Revenge (2024) as Special Makeup Effects Artist. She has also contributed her talents to projects such as Heart Beats (2024), Lift (2023), The Quiet Games (2023), and Curse of Crom: The Legend of Halloween (2022). Always pushing her creative boundaries, Alyssa continues to lend her expertise to both independent films and larger productions.