Film Lens
Born Warriors is a trilogy of documentary films directed by Vincent Giordano that focuses on Lethwei, an ancient form of Burmese bare-knuckle fighting. The films are set against the backdrop of Myanmar's turbulent history and the evolution of this combat sport. The first film examines Lethwei before the country's democratic reforms, while the second part addresses the sport's growth and competition among promoters. The third film, a director's cut of the second, shows the rural communities that have historically supported Lethwei.
The documentaries utilize a unique archive of rare photos, manuscripts, and footage collected over nearly two decades. They present the story of Lethwei's survival during Myanmar's military rule and its gradual transition towards a quasi-democracy. The films capture the essence of Lethwei as a rite of passage and its significance in the lives of fighters, trainers, and promoters in Myanmar.
Why Watch
- •See Lethwei's evolution post-2011 in Myanmar.
- •Meet fighters and trainers preserving ancient traditions.
- •Find out how modern promoters impact Lethwei's future.
Did You Know
•Lethwei is one of the oldest combat sports in Myanmar.
•The first part of the trilogy focuses on Lethwei before 2011.
•Born Warriors Redux won Best Documentary at the Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival in 2015.
•The full trilogy was released on DVD and Blu-ray in 2016.
Perfect For
Martial arts enthusiastsFans of Burmese cultureDocumentary lovers