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 a looming presence, he enters the boxing ring fighting to mend his personal torment.
The Synopsis
Amidst the brutal chaos of the Afghan battlefield, a young Marine named Freddie inadvertently causes the tragic death of his best friend. The weight of this shattering incident has forever altered the course of his life. He travels to Puerto Rico, seeking solace and redemption. Drawn to the grieving girlfriend and orphaned son left in the wake of his friend's death, he tries to bridge the void created by his own actions. Freddie’s fate intertwines him with his best friend’s brother, a skilled boxing trainer who takes him under his wing and teaches the legacy of Puerto Rican boxing and the island's love of the sport. Freddie finds sanctuary within the boxing ring. The sport becomes not only a means of mastering technique but a canvas upon which his internal battles play out.
The Synopsis
Freddie grapples with questions of responsibility and fate, each punch thrown and absorbed echoing the emotional turmoil within him. As his relationships with the grieving girlfriend and her son deepen, Freddie finds himself falling into the role of a brother, a father, and a lover. This is not taken lightly by the ghost of his best friend, who haunts him and questions his loyalty and the decisions he made on the battlefield. Freddie's suffering is heightened by hallucinations and constant guilt. In a world grappling with the aftermath of war and seeking redemption, The Long Fight illuminates the universal themes of pain, hope, and paths to healing.
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
Sometimes we survive
to help others survive
The Hurt Locker
Drive
Jacob's ladder
The Deer Hunter
Production details
RUNNING TIME
90 Minutes
BUDGET SOUGHT
$3 to 5 Million
PRODUCTION TIME
25-30 Days
LOCATION
Los Angeles & Puerto Rico
SHOOTING FORMAT
Arri Alexa
RELEASE FORMAT
TBD
SHOOTING LANGUAGE
English & Spanish
CAST
7 Persons
SCRIPT
93 Pages
LOCATIONS
5
SHOOT
27 Days
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Writer & Director
IMBD LINKJeffrey, 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.
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Producer
IMBD LINKJavier 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.
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IMBD Link
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. -
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.
Contact us
TINY ELEPHANT FILMS
Los Angels, CA 90066
e. thelongfightmovie@gmail.com
p. 310-922-7859
WGA registered