“MARAVILLA”, the documentary based on the struggle of middleweight champion Sergio Martinez to reclaim his crown in boxing, will premiere on iTunes US on May 19, 2015. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2014. “MARAVILLA” will also be available on Google Play, YouTube, PlayStation Networks, Vudu, Amazon Video, Xbox and On Demand on major US cable providers on May 19, 2015.
“MARAVILLA” premiered on Netflix USA, Canada and UK on April 1st and it was given four stars (out of five) by more than 22,000 households in only 30 days. “MARAVILLA” has also been the #1 Most Popular Spanish-Language Documentary on IMDB.com for the last two weeks. The film is 50% in English and 50% in Spanish.
Director Juan Cadaveira gains unprecedented access into the world of boxing, revealing actual negotiations, the politics of championship organizations and TV networks, and the vulnerable physical condition of an aging champion. The 80-minute character-driven documentary offers a true inside look at the industry and follows middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez through every step of his battle inside and outside the ring to reclaim the title he rightfully owns.
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 pick up boxing gloves until he was over the age of 20.
“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 battles to successfully overcome disappointment, adversity and neglect.
The film features interviews and testimonials by many 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, and the late WBC president Jose Sulaiman. Those closest to Sergio figure prominently in the film, including his longtime promoter Lou DiBella, advisor Sampson Lewkowicz, trainers and his mother along with other family members.
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” is written and directed by Juan Pablo Cadaveira, executive produced by Lou DiBella and Jamin O’Brien and produced by BK Blu Productions and Blue Production Company.
