Greek Australian Tom Haramis is set to showcase his documentary on fighter Rebecca ‘Bec’ Rawlings to Australian audiences this coming May, sharing her story from her troubled youth and personal life to becoming a world champion.
The documentary “Fight To Live” will release in Australian cinemas on 15 May and is a chronicle on the life of Bec Rawlings that has seen her overcome terrible lows and achieve great highs.
Rawlings has made a name for herself as a professional fighter, competing in the UFC and (more broadly) Mixed Martial Arts, though it is in Bare Knuckle Fighting (wherein the competitors wear no protective gloves or padding of any kind) that she has truly established her reputation.
Rawlings is a former Bare Knuckle Fighting World Gazette champion, but behind her fighting success lies also a tragic, difficult experience with her abusive and now-ex-husband.
Haramis expressed in his statement on the film that her experience with domestic violence and her response to it played a major role in him embarking on the project.
“At its core, the film carries a powerful message for those trapped in the harrowing grip of domestic violence, their families, and survivors of sexual harassment, psychological, and physical abuse, including those with disabilities,” Haramis said.
The director elaborated on his belief that this film serves as “a beacon of hope” for those suffering from similarly terrible domestic situations.
“Fight to Live conveys the unequivocal message that your voice matters, your life matters, and you have the power to stand up for what is right.
“This film is an empowering testament with profound messages for those trapped in domestic situations and for their abusers, some of whom may be in denial or unaware of their actions,” the filmmaker said.
The director and producer of the documentary explained that its title symbolises the life of Rawlings, which has demonstrated “true physical and mental strength, change, hope, love, courage, adversity, happiness, and triumph”.
“Fight to Live mirrors Bec’s life journey, from toxic relationships to global professional fighting, all while supporting her two sons, Zake and Enson,” he said.
“In essence, Fight to Live is a universal narrative, it resides within us all.”
Haramis’s hope is that his documentary will help educate people on the subject of domestic violence, encourage those in abusive situations to seek help and overall break down the stigma surrounding the topic.
“Fight to Live is not just my first feature film documentary, it is a project close to my heart. It has deepened my understanding of the experiences of victims and survivors,” he said.
“While we may not be able to save the entire world, we can raise awareness and prevent such outrages through Bec’s story, keeping the conversation and spotlight firmly “in the ring” and “centre stage”.
The film also touches on other universal themes such as the struggle to find your place in the world, using the backdrop of her discovery of professional fighting as the example of one finding their calling.
“(The documentary) traverses different backdrops, introducing high-profile international athletes and immersing audiences in the world of UFC, MMA, a sport deeply intertwined with Bec Rawlings’ life.
The film has already been warmly received, having gained accolades such as Best Inspirational Film award at the prestigious Cannes World Film Festival in 2023, with it now to be shared with the Australian audience at large.
The film is having its Melbourne premiere at the Greek Centre as part of the Setting Sun International Film Festival (SSIFF) on 12 May. The festival is back with its 11th edition, promising even more cultural diversity from 9 to 20 May.
