The story of the interrupted life and comeback of Edgar Santana, a Puerto Rican boxing icon from Spanish Harlem.
Documenting the life and boxing comeback of Edgar Santana, an inspirational Puerto Rican boxing icon from Spanish Harlem, whose career was derailed in 2008.
The project portrays Santana’s redemptive story, both professionally and personally, in the wake of his arrest in connection with a drug trafficking charge. The project also depicts the colorful personalities with which he’s aligned himself during his comeback. Through Santana’s comeback in progress, viewers get insight into New York’s boxing industry.
Santana
has sought out boxing legend Leon "Cat" Taylor, who trains fighters
from a gym in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. Sports Illustrated recently
called Taylor “the greatest fighter never known,” referring to a career
that had been infamously lost during hard times on the street.
The remarkable lives of Santana and Taylor have intersected at a crucial moment, when bumpy roads become smooth enough to build momentum.
Scenes take place at the boxing gym, Santana’s barber shop in Spanish Harlem, and fight venues from the Bronx to Delaware, to, hopefully, Vegas.
Santana’s first comeback bout happened in May, 2011 in the Bronx. He looked sharp, demolishing an unknown opponent from Detroit. Next Edgar fights for the WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight belt bout in Dover, Delaware on August 19th.
FAQ
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The project was in pre-production from July 2010 until February 2011. Production got rolling in March 2011 when Santana re-entered the professional boxing game.
The project is a collaborative effort between Eric Johannsen, Mitch McMahon, with the gracious participation of the films many wonderful personalities: Santana and his trainers Leon Taylor, Emmanuel Brujan.
In the weeks after Santana’s release, we approached him with the concept of documenting his boxing comeback.
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That’s the million dollar question, especially in the context of a major interruption in his career.
In his last bout before going away, he rose off the canvas to beat a universally top-ten ranked fighter. Legendary boxing matchmaker, Johnny Bos, described Santana’s boxing potential: “There’s two reasons you develop a fighter. One, he can sell tickets. Two, he can be a world champion. Santana could do both. Santana can still do both.” -
12-24 months.
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We’re 10-15% through production.
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We anticipate a broad-based audience. It’s a New York story about boxing, with a Puerto Rican subject. New York is perhaps the most internationally populated city in the world, and this project will developed in this context. The project will appeal to boxing fans, documentary filmgoers, and anyone that appreciates an authentic New York-based comeback story.
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Santana is scheduled to compete for the WBO Intercontinental Championship in Dover, Delaware on August 19th, 2011.
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“We gotta feed the monkey, man.” (sic)
There is a Jeff Lebowski quote to tackle every FAQ. But seriously, films cost money. We need funds to pay for production. We’re featuring a world class boxer, which means travel, equipment expenses, expendables, and most importantly, retaining our professional crew.
26
Backers
$2,276
pledged of $10,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on August 18, 2011.
Funding period
Jul 17, 2011 -
Aug 18, 2011
- 2 created · 0 backed
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Pledge $1 or more
2 backers
Our sincere thanks, every dollar helps. And we’ll thank you in the film credits.
Pledge $20 or more
2 backers
A downloadable HD version of the completed film. You will also be mentioned in a special thank you section of the film credits.
Pledge $50 or more
9 backers
Thank you credit, plus we’ll ship you a signed DVD with original artwork for your home library.
Pledge $100 or more
0 backers
Credit, DVD, plus a personal boxing training session with Fat City Boxing in NYC. www.fatcityboxing.com
Pledge $100 or more
4 backers
Film credit, DVD, plus a limited edition film poster signed by Santana (poster to be delivered upon completion of the film.)
Pledge $250 or more
1 backer
Contributors film credit, DVD, limited edition film poster signed by Santana, and the private boxing training session. You’ll get to meet Santana and train alongside him.
Pledge $500 or more
1 backer
You’ll be recognized as a contributor and receive all of the above, plus a pair of pro-style Everlast boxing gloves signed by Santana.
Pledge $500 or more
0 backers
You’ll be recognized as a contributor and receive all of the above, plus two tickets to Santana’s WBO Intercontinental fight in Dover, Delaware on August 19th, 2011.
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
Congratulations! You'll become an associate producer of the film for pledging $1,000 or more. All associate producers will be issued a film poster, DVDs, the signed pro-style Everlast gloves, and the private day of boxing training, including a fun sparring session with the film producer you’d like to hit the most.
Pledge $2,500 or more
0 backers
Associate Producers pledging this level will be offered all of the above, plus ringside tickets to Santana’s WBO Intercontinental fight in Dover, Delaware on August 19th, 2011. (If you can’t make this fight, we’ll still get you ringside tickets at an upcoming New York City boxing event, or Santana’s next bout).
