Synopsis
Contact Us
The Official Site for EFC

01:37

YouTube

EFC Movie Official Trailer

The world of women's mixed martial arts is rocked by an explosive showdown between reigning champion Cassady Jones and rising star Alexa Star. The clash of these two titans sends shockwaves through EFC as the future of the sport hangs in the balance. -- Follow EFC Movie pages on social media! Official Website: http://efc.movie IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5930062 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efcmovie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/efcmovie Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@efcmovie X: https://x.com/efcmovie Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/efc #EFC is now available across ALL digital platforms, so you can experience the action wherever you are! 🎯 But why wait? You can #watch it FREE on @tubi right now! 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 👉 https://link.tubi.tv/km3hLcN7NPb Don’t miss this breakout #movie that's taken the world by storm! 🌟 @Tubi

Introducing EFC, a thrilling award winning Canadian production that's sure to captivate audiences. Shot in the vibrant city of Toronto this film delivers a powerful blend of action and drama, all while showcasing the best of Canada's film industry.
Critic Reviews
"The bulk of the plot is gripping, and the cast is brilliant. But the star of the show is the fight sequences. They are better than most other films of this sort, big-budget or not. Movie Score 8/10"- Bobby LePire, Film critic, Film Threat
" 'EFC' Delivers a Knockout Blow with Unparalleled MMA Action … a must-see for fans of MMA and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted sports drama." - Dan Savoie, Film Critic, 519 Magazine
"EFC is really more than just a series of fights as it manages to place them, and place them well, in a story that's equal parts white-collar crime thriller and character piece, and that weaves the character arc of its lead rather effortlessly into the story arc without one standing in the way of the other. " - Mike Haberfeiner, Film Critic, Search My Trash
Film Synopsis
1
Brief Summary of the Plot
In this adrenaline-fueled story, the world of women's mixed martial arts is rocked by an explosive showdown between reigning champion Cassady Jones and rising star Alexa Star. The clash of these two titans sends shockwaves through the EFC, as the future of the sport hangs in the balance.
2
Themes and Motifs
At the heart of this film is a powerful exploration of self-discovery, as Cassady embarks on her journey of personal growth and empowerment. Through her struggles and triumphs she must learn to let go of fear, guilt and regret, and embrace new beginnings.
3
Genre Classification
EFC defies genre conventions, blending elements of arthouse, drama and sport cinema to create a wholly unique cinematic experience.
4
Influence and References
This movie is inspired by one of the most iconic and controversial moments in the history of mixed martial arts - the infamous post-fight brawl that erupted between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229.
Production Notes
Filming Locations
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
A true homegrown gem, EFC showcases the talent and creativity of Canada's film industry. The city of Toronto provides the perfect backdrop for the film's high-stakes scenes and thrilling plot twists.
Production Notes
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
  • "EFC" is an abbreviation for Excelsis Fighting Championship
  • "EFC" aka "Excelsis"
  • Often described as Rocky "1976" meets Black Swan "2010"
  • Anticipated Release: 2024
  • Runtime: 88 Minutes
Challenges and Solutions
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
The journey to bring this groundbreaking film to the screen has been a challenging one. Traditional assumptions about the profitability of female-driven movies have slowly but surely been shattered as audiences embrace strong, complex female characters and the power of women in mixed martial arts.
Produced by
EFC is brought to life by a powerhouse team of producers and production companies that include:
Jaze Bordeaux
Known for: EFC, Genesis, Monopoli
Ilham Aragrag
Known for: EFC, Genesis, Monopoli
Jason Romolo
Known for: EFC, Growing, Alexz Johnson: Look at Those Eyes
Wayne Wells
Known for: Die in a Gunfight, Carter, Covert Affairs
Key Crew
Director of Photography
@ jasonromolo
Fight and Stunt Coordinator
@ roninstunts
Key Cast
Director's Vision
"EFC is a cinematic tour-de-force on the complexity and beauty of the human experience, exploring the age-old struggle between the self and the world around us. The film delves into the darkest corners of the mind, while also shining a light on the hope and resilience that lies within each of us. Through the intricate, character-driven storyline, the audience is invited to examine their own internal battles and discover the power within to overcome them." - Jaze Bordeaux, Director
Capturing the vision for EFC was all about being resourceful, creative, and scrappy. We had to think on our feet, adapt, and problem solve with whatever we had at hand. The limited budget meant we had to be efficient and inventive with every aspect of production, from locations to special effects. We were constantly pushing ourselves to deliver high-quality storytelling that captivated audiences, while also staying true to our indie roots.

05:20

YouTube

A tale of grit and determination: The making of EFC

Discover the untold story behind the making of EFC, a movie that dares to defy convention and challenge the status quo of the Drama Sport genre. From the intense training to the emotional highs and lows of filming, Jaze provides an insider's look at the heart and soul of EFC.

Karlee Rose in the Leading Role
From Vancouver, Canada, Karlee Rose is an actress with a fierce passion and talent that electrifies the screen. In EFC, she brought 'Cassady Jones' to life with a raw, authentic portrayal that showcased her deep understanding of the character's emotions and motivations. Combined with her upcoming lead role in "Let Go” Karlee is quickly becoming a rising star in the indie film world.

00:58

YouTube

Never Thought I'd Do An MMA Movie - EFC Movie

Karlee Rose joins Studio 88 team to talk about EFC movie, her breakout role as Cassady Jones , a mixed martial arts fighter. Karlee hopes that this film will arouse the champion in us all to empower, inspire and persevere. In this Segment, Karlee Rose talks about although she always dreamed of playing a bold character, playing an MMA fighter character never crossed her mind. Follow EFC Movie pages on social media! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5930062/ https://www.instagram.com/efcmovie/?h... https://www.facebook.com/efcmovie/ Follow Karlee pages on social media! https://www.instagram.com/iamkarleero... https://www.facebook.com/IamKarleeRose Follow Studio 88 on Facebook to keep up to date with all things MMA! www.facebook.com/studio88podcast Subscribe to Studio88: https://bit.ly/34SSzRl You can also download an audio version of this podcast on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, and Podbean! Perfect for your commute or workout! Apple: https://apple.co/2ZfnWHl Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k6MxKQ Google Play: https://bit.ly/2kaFLDT PodBean: https://studio88.podbean.com/ Video Recorded and Edited by Dara M. Eshaghian - Devolution Productions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevolutionPr... Audio Recorded and Mixed by Zachary Kadey - Kadey Audio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachkadey/ Produced by Zachary Kadey, Dara Eshaghian & Jamie Champion

Visual Style
"To achieve our desired visual style, we had to push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking and embrace new technologies at the time like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema camera and the Ronin S gimbal. By pairing these modern tools with vintage lenses, we were able to create a unique visual language that felt both timeless and cutting-edge." - Jason Romolo, Director of Photography
Capturing EFC's visual style was all about embracing the grit and the rawness of each shot. We wanted to capture the emotion and intimacy of the film by using natural lighting, and a minimalistic approach. The key was to focus on the performances, the characters, and the mood, and let the visuals tell the story. Every shot, every angle, every composition had to feel authentic and unvarnished. It wasn't about creating a polished, glossy look, but rather capturing the essence of the story and the characters in a way that felt genuine and real.
Stunt and Fight Choregraphy
"As the stunt and fight coordinator for EFC, I'm honoured to be a part of a film that's pushing boundaries and changing the landscape of independent movies. I was tasked with creating fighting scenes that were as gritty, rough, and raw as the sport itself. We wanted the audience to feel like they were in the octagon with the fighters, experiencing every punch, every kick, and every take-down as if they were there. The result is a film that is intense, unflinching, and unapologetically real." - Wayne Wells, Fight and Stunt Coordinator
The fight scenes in EFC are not for the faint of heart. They're intense, they're brutal, and they'll leave you breathless. But they're not just about the action - they're about taking the audience on a wild ride, immersing them in the world of MMA, and delivering a visceral experience that'll have them on the edge of their seats. The cinematography, sound design and music score captures every punch, every kick, every moment of intensity with precision and artistry, creating a visual spectacle that's as much a work of art as it is a fight scene.

00:19

YouTube

Behind the Scenes of Excelsis: Training for a Knockout MMA Fight Scene.

Music Score
"Composing music for an independent film like EFC is all about pushing boundaries and creating a unique sonic identity. By blending brass instruments, known for their bold, rich sound, with trap music's edgy, urban rhythms, we're crafting a score that's unexpected and electrifying. It's like fusing jazz and hip-hop, or classical and electronic music." - Obediya Jones-Darrell, Music Composer
Obediya Jones-Darrell took a bold and innovative approach to scoring the film, melding the classic, sweeping sound of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra with the hard-hitting, modern beats of hip hop, trap, and pop. It's a musical alchemy that perfectly captures the film's gritty vibe while still providing an epic, cinematic feel.

01:42

YouTube

Fight of My Life - Zoom recording

Official soundtrack from he major motion picture "EFC". Written and Composed by Obediya Jones-Darrell

Music Collaboration
"EFC's hard-hitting soundtrack, including the standout track 'Ice In My Veins' by rising star DreamteamJones, adds a layer of intense energy and authenticity to the film's already gripping storyline. Jones' fierce lyrics and raw talent infuse the film with a true sense of grit and passion, capturing the essence of the movie's high stakes while elevating the emotional stakes for the audience.
Fashion & Stylist Collaboration
Sheddy Williams, an innovative fashion designer and stylist collaborated closely with the production team to create an original concept hoodie design for the character Alexa Star, portrayed by Kathryn Aboya, in EFC. This distinctive design encapsulates the essence of Alexa Star's character, reflecting her unique personality and style. The collaborative efforts of the team resulted in a truly captivating piece that has become an iconic element of the character's wardrobe that resonates with all audiences.
Film Festivals & Awards
EFC has achieved a remarkable 34 award wins, celebrated for its compelling performances, outstanding production quality, and visionary direction.
Highlights of its accolades include Best Feature Film honours at the Los Angeles Film Awards, New York International Film Awards, and Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards.
At the Canadian Cinematography Awards, EFC secured four prestigious wins, including Best Feature Film and Best Feature Film Cinematography.
EFC made its international debut at the 44th Paladino d’Oro International Sport Film Festival, the world’s longest-running sports film festival. Hosted in Palermo, Italy, on December 11, 2024, the festival celebrated a diverse selection of sports-themed films from around the globe. EFC received six nominations, spanning categories such as performance, direction, and production. Director Jaze Bordeaux was honoured with the highly coveted Best Director award, further cementing the film's legacy.
Press and Media
Karlee Rose on Studio 88 Podcast

00:33

YouTube

🤕 The Unexpected Pain of MMA! 💥

In an intense world where acting meets authentic MMA, one take turns painful as Karlee shares her shocking experience of filming a fight scene with a real MMA fighter. What was meant to be a skillful karate chop quickly escalates into a moment of sheer pain and unexpected injury. Explore the behind-the-scenes realities and challenges faced on set, showcasing the blend of acting prowess and physical demands of martial arts. Get ready to feel the intensity of the fight through Karlee Rose's gripping storytelling! #shorts

EFC Movie Exclusive Teaser Drop

00:40

YouTube

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Movie Experience! 🎬💪

Celebrating International Women's Day, this exclusive look unveils the first-ever female MMA film, EFC, that is set to redefine the drama sports genre. Witness the energy, passion, and strength behind this revolutionary movie as the teaser trailer drops at the Prospect Fighting Championship 13✨. This is not just a film; it's a movement towards representation and empowerment in the sports industry. Don't miss this peek into a game-changing cinematic experience! #EFC #FemaleEmpowerment #WomensDay #MMA #SportsCinema #WomenInFilm #DramaSports #MovieTeaser #RepresentationMatters #WomenInSports #shorts

The Rise of Women in Combat Sport Films

01:05

YouTube

Unleashing the Power of Women in Combat Sports!

Exploring the groundbreaking journey of women in combat sports, this video reveals how the tides have turned since the inception of EFC in 2016 later released in 2024. Pioneering filmmakers are finally shining a light on female MMA fighters, bringing their inspiring stories to the forefront. From 'Million Dollar Baby' to thrilling new releases like Halle Berry's 'Bruised' and Sydney Sweeney's upcoming project, the movement is gaining momentum. The support from fans is palpable, and the desire for authentic narratives is greater than ever. Discover the passionate vision driving this change and the incredible women at the center of it all! #WomenInCombatSports #FemaleAthletes #MMA #Empowerment #GirlPower #WomenInFilm #CombatSportsCinema

EFC Cast and Crew tell all during RadioIn Italia interview

00:50

YouTube

Trailblazing Women's MMA Film: From Dream to Reality #film #drama #sport #efcmovie #interview

Press and Media
EFC at the 44th Paladino d’Oro International Sport Film Festival

01:01

YouTube

Dream big, fight hard, and never stop believing. #EFC #motivation #podcast

EFC During Development Phase

01:03

YouTube

Excelsis Movie During The Development Phases

EFC Movie aka Excelsis during the development stage

EFC Photo Gallery

Google Photos

EFC MOVIE EPK GALLERY

58 new items added to shared album

Step into the visual world of the movie with a gallery of stunning stills. From gripping scenes to powerful performances, these photos capture the essence of the film in all its raw and gritty glory.
Jaze Bordeaux Wins Best Director at Paladino d’Oro International Sport Film Festival 2024 | Full Acceptance Speech

02:17

YouTube

Jaze Bordeaux Wins Best Director at Paladino d’Oro 2024 | Full Acceptance Speech

Award-winning director Jaze Bordeaux takes home the coveted Best Director Award at the 44th Paladino d’Oro International Sport Film Festival for his groundbreaking women’s MMA drama EFC. Watch the full acceptance speech as Bordeaux shares heartfelt words about the sacrifices, dedication, and passion that brought this film to life. Stay tuned for exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and an emotional look at the impact EFC has had on audiences worldwide. 📽️ About the Festival: The Paladino d’Oro is one of the world’s most prestigious sports film festivals, celebrating excellence in storytelling in the realm of sports cinema. 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates on the best in sports cinema!

Social Media
Do you want to stay up-to-date on all things EFC? Join the 25,000+ followers who are already in the loop, and experience the action behind the action. Stay in the know and become part of the EFC movement today!
Head on over to IMDb to find lots of cool details about EFC, including cast and crew info, more photos from the film, and more details around the plot summary.

Google Photos

EFC MOVIE EPK PHOTO GALLERY

123 new items added to shared album

Contact Information
Scan QR Code
Email
For general inquiries please email: