You don’t often hear of mixed martial arts (MMA) being a backdrop for a faith story, but that’s exactly the construction of “The Fight Within,” a faith film set to release nationwide in select theaters Aug. 12.
The combination of faith, fighting and romance aims to attract a wide audience, even those who claim no religious affiliation.
“Faith films tend to draw faith audiences,” said Jim Davis, the film’s executive producer and screenwriter. “(But) this movie should also engage people with no sense of faith because inner struggle is universal.
“A bare-knuckled mixed martial arts action film is not a traditional faith-based film, but we hope to engage a more diverse audience and share a message of hope and salvation through our story.”
In the film Logan Chandler is a rising star in the MMA world, but the death of his father, also an MMA champion, rocks his world and makes him question his own identity. Through his pain and searching, Chandler finds faith. But his newfound faith is tested when a rival forces him back into the cage.
Filmed largely in Tuscaloosa, “The Fight Within” sought to ensure realistic fight scenes while telling the story of the struggle every Christian knows firsthand — the struggle to know and embrace who you are and whose you are.
And that, Davis says, is the beauty of the film.
“A cage and a fight are spot-on metaphors to show a young man coming to terms with who he is and what life brings,” Davis said.
Add in a romance with a girl with strong faith and you have all the elements to capture the whole family’s attention.
“The Fight Within” features acting by Alabama boys John Major Davis, a Tuscaloosa native, and Matt Leddo, a University of Alabama graduate. Davis, a former youth minister, college minister and pastor, also is a resident of Tuscaloosa where he runs a digital marketing firm for various Christian ministries.
“The Fight Within” premiered Aug. 12 at Cobb Hollywood 16 Cinemas in Tuscaloosa. For more information, visit cobbtheatres.com.(TAB)
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