Experiencing Interruptions?

Champ (Shortfilm)

Mike, the son of working-class parents with Russian immigrant roots, is a rising star in the world of MMA. He’s a strong fighter, respected by everyone in his neighborhood, and popular with women. People from his community and his fellow fighters look up to him. He is the pride of his district.

But this image shatters when, after training, he is caught in the shower having sex with a teammate. This is where the film CHAMP begins.

The news spreads like wildfire throughout the city. From that moment on, Mike is avoided by his friends, rejected by his family, abandoned by his coach — and forced to face the greatest challenge of his life: the fight for his place in the world and the right to live as his true self.

Together with his coach — who, after the initial shock, chooses to stand by his side — Mike prepares for the championship match against the reigning titleholder, Dogan. Against all odds, he wins the fight and takes the title.

It seems as though he’s sparked a change in the MMA scene and can finally live openly as the person he really is. But just as quickly as hope had returned, it is brutally taken from him once again

  • Tomislav Vujcic
    Director
    Shelas Escape
  • Tomislav Vujcic
    Writer
  • Tomislav Vujcic
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    30 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    July 5, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Germany
  • Country of Filming:
    Germany
  • Language:
    German
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Ruhrakademie
  • Los Angeles Film Awards - LAFA Winner
    Los Angeles Film Awards
    United States
    US Premiere
    Officicial Selection
Director - Tomislav Vujcic
Director Statement

"I study film directing at the Ruhrakademie in Schwerte. CHAMP is my graduation film project, for which I wrote the screenplay and am directing. The idea for the film came from my colleague Masatoshi 'Masa' Ueno. He trains in MMA and Muay Thai and provides the expertise for the film.

CHAMP is a drama about a young, talented man who wants to follow his dream. Homosexuality in professional sports is still a taboo subject today, and especially in a full-contact sport like MMA, it remains burdened with prejudice. CHAMP aims to break this silence and promote tolerance in the world of martial arts.

Like Masa, I believe that discrimination should have no place in our society. My karate trainer taught me that mutual respect and fairness are fundamental values in sport. My message is this: Everyone has the right to live their life freely.

The film is made in Germany but will be screened at international film festivals. That gives us the opportunity to carry this message beyond the borders of Germany."
— Tomislav Vujcic