Castle Hill screens candid doco for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month
Screening in select cinemas nationally this May, the powerful documentary ‘Fight to Live’ follows the journey of Bec Rawlings, an Australian Mixed Martial Arts fighter who became the first woman to win the World Championship Bare Knuckle fighting title.
But despite being a champion in the ring, Bec had a larger fight to face behind closed doors – at the hands of her violent husband and Mixed Martial Arts fighter, Dan Hyatt.
May marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, with an alarming 25 women dying by domestic violence in Australia this year and a woman dying every four days at the hands of a partner.
As a survivor of domestic abuse, Bec has become an advocate for change and, through this film, wants to share her story to raise awareness among the wider community and help put an end to this national crisis.
Bec Rawlings said: “Fight to Live is a very candid look at the defining points of my life up until now – the successes of transitioning from UFC to Bare Knuckle Boxing to the joys of becoming a mother, all while being overshadowed by the traumatic experience of being abused by my partner.
“Through this film, I want to show that despite being a professional fighter, domestic violence can happen to anyone – it doesn’t discriminate – and my hope is that it helps more women find their voice and regain their self-worth.”
Directed and produced by first-time feature filmmaker Tom Haramis, his mission was to deeply understand the experiences of victims and survivors and, through powerful storytelling, raise awareness among the wider community to drive change.
“I embarked on this very important film to deliver the powerful story of Bec Rawlings, who against all odds, triumphed over a tumultuous upbringing and an abusive marriage, emerging as a resolute advocate against domestic violence.
“I’m in awe of Bec’s bravery to tell her story and my hope is that this film gives the strength to anyone who may be in a similar situation to seek help and reclaim their life.”
Special screenings of ‘Fight to Live’ are showing throughout May in Event Cinemas across Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Newcastle.
For further information about the screenings and to purchase tickets, visit https://fighttolive.com.au/ Private group bookings are available on request.
For anyone seeking confidential support, contact 1800RESPECT (7377328), a national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling and support service. Available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Further information can be found at 1800respect.org.au
‘Fight to Live’ is directed by Tom Haramis from Haramis Films, produced by Steve Jaggi from Jaggi Entertainment, Kyle Lema, Kelly Son Hing and Tom Haramis.