November 2, 2016 – Born Warriors, a 3-part independent documentary, is set to release on Amazon November 7, on DVD and Blu-Ray. Exploring the world of Lethwei (known outside Myanmar as Burmese Boxing or Myanmar Traditional Boxing), the series will also be available in three different editions – Bound Fists, the Born Warriors Special Edition (3 discs), and the standard 2-disc set of Born Warriors. Director Vincent Giordano completed the trilogy of documentaries, which began filming in 1999 and has previously won over 9 film festivals.

Three Stories in Three Independent Documentaries

Born Warriors documents Lethwei, an ancient fighting sport that has lived on despite a culture of violence and government control, in 115 minutes. It explores bare knuckle fighting prior to democratic reform in Myanmar. The persistence of the sport in rural villages, and how fighters and trainers are working against the odds to promote it in cities, is covered in detail.

The trilogy also includes Born Warriors Redux. An ancient fighting sport, Lethwei was used to prepare men for combat and as a rite of passage. Now it is seen as symbol of strength on an athletic level. It also represents pride and dignity. This 109 minute video showcases training and training methods, plus local festivals and traditions in relation to the sport.

In the 3-disc set includes a Bonus Disc with an even deeper look into Lethwei. It has archived footage and the Born to Battle: Burma vs. Thailand documentary. The third disc immerses viewers into the world of Lethwei for 115 minutes. Rare footage and extended edits of Fight Day and Bouts, from Archives v2, are included.

Born Warriors Redux: Bound Fists is a special single disc extended director’s cut that features additional updated bonus material that brings the viewer up to date on the current state of Lethwei in Myanmar today.

Born Warriors: Following the Chapters of Burmese Boxing and Society

Each film separates the narrative into book-like chapters. The story of Myanmar Traditional Boxing is covered by illustrating its survival, the troubles of local peoples who endured military rule, and the fighters themselves. Born Warriors was filmed before 2011, when Myanmar opened its borders.

A Director with a Mission

Born Warriors is the brainchild of Vincent Giordano, a filmmaker, director, and martial artist. Giordano also penned a recent article in Black Belt Magazine entitled “Traditional Burmese Lethwei Lives On!” The article follows the sport from its heyday to the present day in a transitioning country and an evolving martial arts landscape. It also highlights the value of martial arts traditions for the spiritual and physical growth of villagers in the region, whom Giordano has witnessed and interviewed first hand.

For additional information about the three-part documentary, go to http://www.bornwarriorsmovie.com/. Trailers, accolades, and the director’s story, plus a variety of supplemental content, is also available on the website.

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Contact Info:

Vincent Giordano
PO Box 7899
New York, NY 10116-7899
212-696-7887
Email: [email protected]