New York (March 25, 2013) – “MARAVILLA,” the documentary, based on the struggle of Middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez to reclaim his crown in boxing, will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, on Saturday, April 19, 2014. The film is included in the Viewpoints section of TFF, as well as part of the lineup for the eighth annual Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival, sponsored by Mohegan Sun. The official trailer for the film is now available to view and share on YouTube at http://youtu.be/m5UfkYbMkRQ
Director Juan Cadaveira gained access to the closed doors of boxing – actual negotiations, the politics of championship organizations, TV network issues and the vulnerable physical condition of an aging champion. The 80-minute character-driven documentary is a true insider look that follows Sergio in every step of his battles inside and outside the ring.
Along with thrilling footage of Sergio’s mastery inside the ring and the persistent efforts by his team to keep him at the top, the film goes beyond the guts and glory of a common boxing tale. “MARAVILLA” reveals an unforgettable man who uses ambition, adaptability, relentless determination and integrity to navigate through a business that is attempting to control his fate.
The documentary captures the grueling physical and mental demands on Sergio. Viewers are invited into his dressing room, his physical therapy sessions, and into his inner circle. The road to his achievements is shown to be isolating at times and requires a vision far beyond what is considered possible for a man who didn’t picked up boxing gloves until he was over twenty.
“MARAVILLA” sheds light on Sergio’s childhood growing up in poverty in Buenos Aires, with personal stories from family members and archival footage and photos from his youth. Sergio reveals his inner self and his approaches to successfully overcoming disappointment, adversity and neglect.
The film features interviews and testimonials by international boxing personalities such as Mike Tyson, Don King, Oscar De La Hoya, Bob Arum, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Dan Rafael, the late WBC president Jose Sulaiman. Those closest to Sergio figure prominently in the film, including his long-time promoter Lou DiBella, advisor Sampson Lewkowicz, trainers and family members, including his mother.
First time director Cadaveira, shot the film over two years in four countries: Argentina, Spain, Mexico and the United States, and in many different cities, from Quilmes to Las Vegas, via New York, Atlantic City, Los Angeles, and Mexico DF.
“MARAVILLA” premieres at the TFF on April 19, 2014 with three additional screening dates:
PREMIERE: 4/19/2014, 8:30 PM
2nd Screening: 4/21/2014, 3:45 PM
3rd Screening: 4/23/2014, 8:30 PM
4th Screening: 4/26/2014, 6:30 PM
Tickets for all screenings go on sale April 14, 2014. For additional info on “Maravilla” at TFF visit: http://tribecafilm.com/filmguide/532089aac07f5df7d2000161-maravilla
“MARAVILLA” is produced by Blue Production Co. and BK Blu Productions. Written and directed by Juan Pablo Cadaveira and executive produced by Lou DiBella and Jamin O’Brien.
