Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker’s doc FIGHTVILLE Opens in Los Angeles and New York April 20

Directed by Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker (GUNNER PALACE, THE PRISONER: OR HOW I PLANNED TO KILL TONY BLAIR)  

OPENING IN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK ON APRIL 20 AND WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE SAME DAY VIA ON DEMAND AND DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

**SXSW Film Festival 2011 (Official Selection) **

Over the last decade, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has grown from a controversial no-holds-barred gladiatorial sideshow into a billion dollar phenomenon.  MMA has eclipsed boxing as the dominant combat sport in the world, and is so popular that MMA fights regularly appear on U.S. network television – even as a longstanding ban remains in force in New York State.  But far from Las Vegas, in sweat-soaked gyms and low-rent arenas across America, the big lights are but a dream. Here, men fight to test their mettle, fortified with the mythic promise that an ordinary man can transform into a champion.

Directed by the accomplished filmmaking duo of Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker (GUNNER PALACE), FIGHTVILLE takes us to Southern Louisiana, where a group of young athletes, including future MMA powerhouse Dustin Poirier, strive towards personal and professional greatness. The reward? A triumph that could ultimately yield an opportunity to compete professionally in the sport’s upper echelons.

FIGHTVILLE is a microcosm of life, a physical manifestation of the American Dream and the relentless dedication required of all who hope to attain it.  Here, men are not born, but are instead built through self-determination, hard work and faith.  In FIGHTVILLE, that’s what champions are made of.

Running time: 85 minutes

FIGHTVILLE OPENS IN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK ON APRIL 20 AND WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE SAME DAY VIA ON DEMAND AND DIGITAL DOWNLOAD