China Heavyweight

The Trials and Tribulations of A Boxing Coach in China

This documentary follows the charismatic Qi Moxiang, a former boxing star and state coach who recruits young fighting talent from the impoverished farms and villages across Sichuan province.

A select few boys (and girls) are sent to national training centers, with the hope of discovering China's next Olympic heroes. But will these potential boxing champions leave it all behind to be the next Mike Tyson? Their rigorous training, teenage trials and family tribulations are expertly intertwined with Coach Qi's own desire to get back in the ring for one more shot at victory.

Cinematically rich and intimately observed, CHINA HEAVYWEIGHT is all at once thrilling sports drama, astute social commentary and a beautifully crafted portrait of an athlete.

Nominated for a Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema - Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.

"An unexpectedly tender film about the price of coming into one's own." - Tom Keogh, The Seattle Times