By Erin Free
“Fight To Live takes viewers on a thrilling journey through Bec’s life, with electrifying visuals and fast-paced storytelling,” says Tom Haramis of his debut feature Fight To Live, a bristling, fast-paced look into the complex, often tragic life of “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings, an Australian athlete with a life story that would make most fictional characters blush. After surviving a reckless adolescence and an abusive relationship as a young woman, Rawlings knows all too well about struggle and punching her way through her adversity, which this feisty, determined, Tassie-born battler has taken right to its logical end-point by getting into the ring, first as a UFC fighter, and secondly – and even more dangerously – as a bareknuckle boxer. Gutsy as all-get-out but still sensitive and often achingly vulnerable, “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings makes for an incredibly engaging documentary subject, and director Tom Haramis captures her violent but inspirational life story with deft precision, hitting just the right note between energetic sports film and dark domestic drama.
How did you first become involved with Bec Rawlings?
“I first crossed paths with Bec Rawlings in 2017 while producing content for renowned athletes. At that time, Bec was under contract with the UFC, and part of my work involved flying to Brisbane to capture footage. As our professional relationship evolved, so did our personal connection. In 2018, I organised an event where Bec shared her compelling story to raise awareness of her experience in domestic violence. It was during this event that the idea of crafting a documentary about her life began to take shape. Recognising the importance of her narrative in shedding light on domestic violence, I felt compelled to share it with a global audience, hoping to offer support and inspiration to others facing similar challenges.”
There are so many varied elements to Bec’s story…did you find it difficult to reconcile them into one streamlined feature?
“Integrating the diverse facets of Bec’s journey into a cohesive narrative was indeed a challenge. We began by structuring her story within an act framework, which provided a framework for exploring key events in her life. As we transitioned into the post-production phase and assembled the footage, we gained clarity on the necessary elements to weave together a compelling feature. Our goal was to craft a film that would evoke a range of emotions in the audience, from catharsis to empowerment, ensuring a captivating and fulfilling viewing experience.”
Bec is an incredibly likeable and engaging figure…did you get that with her straight away?
“From the moment I met Bec, her warmth, generosity, humour, and spirited nature were immediately apparent. It was easy to be drawn to her infectious personality and down-to-earth demeanour. Our connection quickly blossomed into a strong friendship, which naturally evolved into a fruitful business relationship. What’s not to love about Bec? She’s a remarkable individual with a heart as big as her personality.”
Everyone interviewed for the doco (Bec, her family etc) is incredibly candid. How did you create the environment whereby they could be so honest?
“Prior to filming, it was crucial to communicate the overarching vision of the documentary and the specific questions that would delve into the family’s perspective, ensuring alignment and understanding. This laid the groundwork for creating a comfortable environment where her family, friends and coaches could freely express themselves without feeling pressured or out of their element. I strived to maintain a relaxed atmosphere on set, recognising that the presence of lights, cameras, and crew members can be intimidating. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and flexibility, I aimed to facilitate natural and candid conversations, steering them towards addressing the essential elements of the story.”
Was Bec comfortable with all of the areas into which the film strayed, or did you have to push her a little?
“As a director, I understand the importance of pushing for the best on-camera performance, but with Bec, I didn’t feel the need to employ that approach. Especially when delving into sensitive areas and asking her to recount detailed timelines, it was crucial for Bec to feel completely at ease in her surroundings with myself and the crew. This environment allowed her to naturally open up and share her story from a place of vulnerability, without the need for additional pressure or coercion.”
The doco has a real sense of drive and pace. Was that important to you?
“Maintaining a sense of momentum and rhythm throughout the documentary was paramount to me. Given the breadth of history and concurrent events captured during filming, it was essential to keep viewers captivated. I carefully balanced moments of emotional depth with instances of propulsion, ensuring a dynamic storytelling experience. With such a heavy topic as domestic violence at the core, I aimed to weave two parallel narratives simultaneously.”
Did you have any cinematic touchstones here? Any films you looked to for inspiration?
“Films have always been my refuge, offering inspiration through compelling storytelling and narratives that resonate deeply. I’m drawn to stories of the underdog overcoming adversity, tales that mirror my own life experiences and take audiences on transformative journeys. Legendary filmmakers like Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, Sylvester Stallone, and Michael B. Jordan have greatly influenced my creative vision. As I conceptualised this project, I aimed to blend Bec’s powerful message with the cinematic intensity of training montages seen in movies like Rocky, Creed, and Million Dollar Baby. I wanted to capture the essence of watching a captivating film while conveying Bec’s story in a dynamic and engaging way. Drawing from these cinematic touchstones, I set out to craft a unique experience for the big screen, infusing it with my own creative perspective.”
What was your biggest surprise during the making of the doco? And your biggest challenge?
“There were definitely surprises and challenges aplenty throughout the making of the documentary. One unexpected twist came with the initial enthusiasm from potential investors and sponsors. While many voices were loud in expressing interest and support, follow-through proved to be lacking. Securing financing became a significant hurdle, compounded by resistance from sponsors hesitant to align their brands with the sensitive topic of domestic violence. It was disheartening to encounter such short sightedness, as the project aimed not for personal gain but to support a cause and empower others. Yet, the greatest challenge stemmed from the financial realm. Despite seemingly solid commitments from investors, many fell through, halting production and necessitating personal investment to keep the project afloat. This financial strain persisted into the project’s later stages, adding complexity and cost to its completion. Throughout this tumultuous journey, navigating differing opinions on filming and editing proved another trial. However, I remained steadfast in preserving the documentary’s vision, refusing to stray from the course despite external pressures. In hindsight, the importance of surrounding oneself with experienced advisors from the project’s outset became abundantly clear. Their guidance and expertise proved invaluable in mitigating issues and steering the documentary toward its eventual completion. Though the path was fraught with obstacles, perseverance and a steadfast commitment to the cause ultimately prevailed.”
Domestic violence plays a very sad role in Bec’s story, and the film seems to be seeing release at just the right time. Does it add another layer of meaning for you to be part of that national discourse?
“The issue of domestic violence has always been present, and it seems only now the government and media are paying close attention to this matter. I reflect on the journey of this documentary with a sense of purpose. Despite encountering numerous obstacles and delays, each setback seemed to align with a greater plan. As we prepared to share the film with the world, the national conversation around domestic violence intensified, adding further resonance to our message, amplifying the film’s relevance and ensuring its message reaches those who need it most. By sharing Bec’s story at this pivotal moment, my hope and aim is to provide viewers with the awareness and resources to navigate and potentially escape from domestic violence situations.
Was Bec involved with the post-production of the film? What does she think of the final product?
“While Bec didn’t directly participate in the editing process, she entrusted me with bringing her story to life. However, as the producer and director, I made it a priority to involve her throughout. I shared each draft of the edit with her, valuing her input immensely. Her perspective and feedback were integral to ensuring the final product truly reflected her journey and message.”
What do you hope audiences will take away from the film?
“I hope that audiences will leave the film feeling empowered and inspired, as this documentary won best ‘Inspirational film’ at The Cannes World Film Festival 2023. It’s my desire that they embrace their self-worth and recognise the power of self-love, understanding that their unique qualities make them extraordinary. Regardless of race, size, gender or religion, I want viewers to realise that they don’t need validation from others to recognise their own greatness. This film carries a universal message that resonates on multiple levels. I want viewers to understand that it’s never too late to pursue happiness and to believe in their own potential. Despite the challenges and obstacles we may face, and in Bec’s words, ‘there is always light at the end of the tunnel.’ Ultimately, I hope audiences walk away from the film with a renewed sense of hope and the belief that anything is possible.”
What’s next for you?
“I’m currently deeply involved in several exciting projects, working closely with Bec and other producers in my network. We’re focusing on adapting the documentary Fight To Live into a feature film. As these projects evolve, I’m excited to share more updates later this year. Directing and producing are my passions, and I’m enthusiastic about creating opportunities for other creatives to showcase their talents. In addition to my own projects, I’m eager to direct and produce works from other filmmakers, aiming to bring a diverse range of impactful stories to audiences.”
Fight To Live is released in cinemas for one night only on May 15. Click here for our review.
