Malibash Sports & Entertainment

Producer Jaze Bordeaux shares the remarkable story behind his groundbreaking film “EFC” – a project that not only defied industry expectations but went on to earn over 30 international awards, including the prestigious Best Director award at the Paladino d’Oro International Sports Film Festival.

From “It Won’t Sell” to Global Recognition

When Bordeaux first pitched EFC in 2016, the response from distributors was discouraging: “women in those types of roles, you know, doesn’t sell.” The industry consensus was that putting women in non-traditional combat roles was risky, with many saying “there’s a reason it hasn’t been done before.”

But Bordeaux, a Toronto-based filmmaker, saw an opportunity where others saw risk. After researching the sports drama genre extensively, he discovered a glaring gap: while there had been female boxing films, no one had ever made a women’s mixed martial arts feature film.

More Than Just Another Fighter Story

What sets EFC apart from typical underdog sports narratives is its unique approach to storytelling. Rather than following the familiar climb-to-the-top formula, EFC presents “a gritty and gripping drama showcasing the world within women’s mixed martial arts” that begins with protagonist Cassady Jones at her peak, then follows her journey through loss, identity crisis, and eventual redemption.

The film explores deeper themes of PTSD, mental resilience, and what Bordeaux describes as “the battlefield in the mind” – our internal struggles that often prove to be our greatest obstacles. “Riding off the heels of her sister Scarlett’s championship legacy, Cassady Jones is now the EFC Champion and the new face of women’s mixed martial arts.”

Production Against All Odds

The making of EFC was as dramatic as the film itself. Bordeaux and his team faced seemingly insurmountable challenges: they lost a third of their footage due to an actress falling ill, endured Canada’s worst snowstorm that destroyed their studio, and then had to navigate COVID-19 restrictions that prevented reshooting.

“In an intense world where acting meets authentic MMA, one take turns painful” as the cast worked with real MMA fighters to bring authenticity to the screen. Despite these setbacks, Bordeaux’s team – including DP Jason Ramo and stunt coordinator Wayne Wells – delivered what he calls “diamonds under pressure.”

Industry Validation and Cultural Shift

The film’s success proved Bordeaux right about the market demand for women’s combat sports stories. The film garnered critical acclaim, securing multiple accolades, including Best Feature Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards and numerous other international honors.

EFC’s timing coincided with a cultural shift in women’s sports, aided by mainstream attention on fighters like Ronda Rousey and later, Halle Berry’s decision to produce and star in “Bruised,” a similar women’s MMA film for Netflix. As Bordeaux notes, “EFC wasn’t just a movie! it was a fight to bring a vision to life.”

A Filmmaker with Vision Beyond One Project

Bordeaux describes himself as being “in the business of filmmaking” rather than just a filmmaker, with plans for a slate of projects over the next decade, primarily focusing on sci-fi thrillers. His approach to career building emphasizes patience and persistence – lessons learned from a billionaire’s advice early in his career that success takes “10, 15, 20 years.”

Connect with Jaze Bordeaux

For aspiring filmmakers and collaborators interested in connecting with Bordeaux, he maintains an active presence across social media platforms under “Jaze Bordeaux.” His PodMatch profile indicates he’s highly responsive to podcast opportunities and collaborative projects.

His upcoming film “Let Go” can be followed at “Let Go movie” on social platforms, and he welcomes connections from fellow creators looking for potential synergies.

Watch EFC

EFC, featuring Alex Cruz, Avaah Blackwell, Savannah Basley, and Karlee Rose, is currently available:

• Free streaming: Tubi (US and Canada)
• Rent/Purchase: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play Movies

The Ripple Effect

Looking back, Bordeaux’s persistence in bringing EFC to life has contributed to what he sees as a new era of women’s combat sports films. From being told the concept wouldn’t sell to earning 30+ international awards, EFC represents more than just a successful film – it’s proof that sometimes the stories the industry thinks won’t work are exactly the ones audiences are waiting to see.

As more women’s combat sports films enter development and production, Bordeaux’s early bet on this underserved market positions him as a pioneer who helped open doors for stories that were previously considered too risky to tell.

*Want to work with Jaze Bordeaux? Find him at https://jazebordeaux.com/

For podcast hosts interested in booking Jaze Bordeaux as a guest, visit his PodMatch profile to learn more about his availability and expertise in filmmaking, women’s sports, and entertainment industry insights.