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Kung Fu Elliot

Directed by Jaret Belliveau, Matthew Bauckman

  • “This one's a shocker! I do highly recommend it... and look forward to watching it again with new eyes.”
    Badass Digest
  • “Masterfully executed, the film ends in the only possible way it could.”
    Cinapse
  • “Bauckman and Belliveau are truly excellent storytellers - the movie that I started watching wasn't the same as the one I was watching when it ended (that's a feat) - and they took me on an intimate adventure filled with twists and turns.”
    RoboApocalypse
  • “The way their film morphs...is a feat of perfect pacing. Much like Sarah Polley's Stories We Tell.”
    Nerd Bastards
  • “While 2014 will no doubt be chock full of great documentaries, a great one has just hit our doorsteps”
    Criterion Cast
  • “...the dramatic finale is so surprising, it will undoubtedly get audiences talking about what they just saw”
    IndieWire
  • “Elliot is dynamic, deceptive, and powerful filmmaking”
    Twitch Film
  • “Directors Matthew Bauckman and Jaret Belliveau have made one of the great docs of 2014.”
    Mitch Davis, Fantasia Fest Director of International Programming

Kung Fu Elliot tells the story of Elliot “White Lightning” Scott, an amateur martial artist who dreams of becoming Canada’s first action hero with his low-budget karate epic, Blood Fight. This surreal documentary captures two years in the lives of a passionate amateur filmmaker, his supportive partner Linda, and their outrageous cast—all trying to realize their dreams.

The writer, director, and star of low-budget short films such Stalker and the Hero and They Killed My Cat, Elliot affectionately describes his brand of filmmaking as “respectable cheese.” According to Elliot, his films have picked up numerous awards at festivals, and his loyal fan base on Facebook is on the rise. Billing himself as a champion kickboxer, Elliot hopes that Blood Fight will secure the attention of a film distributor and make him famous. Elliot enlists the help of an eccentric group of locals to participate in the film, including his friend Blake, a self-proclaimed method actor, who is cast as the villain.

The making of Blood Fight tests not only Elliot’s filmmaking chops, but also his relationship with his partner Linda. The sole breadwinner in the relationship, Linda wants Elliot to have gainful employment, so he can finally propose to her – preferably with a ring. When they lose the footage of the critical final scene of the film, Blood Fight is put on hold. In the meantime, with Linda’s encouragement, Elliot enrolls in acupuncture school. But instead of hunkering down with his studies, Elliot seizes the opportunity to take a class trip to China, where he can film additional scenes to make Blood Fight even better.

Once abroad, Elliot spends more time chatting with girls and taking pictures with tourists, boasting that he’s “the Canadian version of Jackie Chan.” Two of his classmates on the trip provide running commentary on Elliot’s exploits including a late-night encounter that he has with a masseuse. This indiscretion, coupled with his inability to find a jade ring for Linda, calls Elliot’s commitment to his relationship into question.

When he returns to Canada with lots of kung fu DVDs but no ring, Linda’s patience wears thin as well as the cast who are wondering when Blood Fight will finally be finished. With everyone’s hopes and dreams pinned on Elliot, he retreats further into his world of make-believe, and this comedic-drama unfolds into a shocking and complex examination of the lies we tell ourselves.

For more info please visit: http://www.kungfuelliot.com
"KUNG FU ELLIOT on Doc Club" In The Press
Doc Club: KUNG FU ELLIOT Video Q&A with the directors MORE +
Four Three: Kung Fu Elliot is a bizarre and engaging documentary.MORE +
Triad City Beat: KUNG FU ELLIOT leaves (the viewer) surprised, entertained and utterly confounded.MORE +
Seneca Daily News on KUNG FU ELLIOT: A masterful treatise on the symbiotic nature of human dreams and deception. MORE +
HeraldNet: KUNG FU ELLIOT spirals into madness, kicking and screamingMORE +
Audiences Everywhere: I did not trust this documentary. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this movie.MORE +
Seattle Weekly: KUNG FU ELLIOT, A Take-Down Doc Turns CreepyMORE +
Ain't It Cool: The fact is you'll care about the folks in KUNG FU ELLIOT, and that's the key to its success as a great documentary. MORE +
Film International: KUNG FU ELLIOT depicts an honest view of dreams and their vulnerability to exploitation.MORE +
Consequence of Sound: KUNG FU ELLIOT lingers in the brain longer after the film is over.MORE +
Slaw Jack Punks: In this episode Matt Bauckman and Jaret Belliveau directors of documentary KUNG FU ELLIOT call into the show! (AUDIO)MORE +
Nonfics: KUNG FU ELLIOT tops Nonfics home picks of the weekMORE +
LA Times: KUNG FU ELLIOT is an amusing take on a big dreamMORE +
Slack Jaw Punks on KUNG FU ELLIOT: I was left with my jaw on the floor.MORE +
Karate Mart: KUNG FU ELLIOT Documentary Just Made The KarateMart.com Watch ListMORE +
Action Elite: KUNG FU ELLIOT Exclusive Clip (VIDEO)MORE +
Tiny Mix Tapes: KUNG FU ELLIOT is charming, funny, inspiring, infuriating, and provocative.MORE +
LA Weekly: KUNG FU ELLIOT gradually transforms into a thoughtful examination of its title character's naïveté.MORE +
A Movie Guy: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a side kicking surprise of a documentary.MORE +
Examiner: 5 stars...Elliot "White Lightning" Scott is the perfect subjectMORE +
Village Voice: Cringe-Along Doc KUNG FU ELLIOT Surprises with Its DepthMORE +
IGN on KUNG FU ELLIOT: Insanely entertaining documentary follows Elliot "White Lightning" ScottMORE +
Hollywood Outsider: Roundhouse kick KUNG FU ELLIOT to the top of your must-see list.MORE +
Film Journal: Whether you ultimately rule it fact or fiction, KUNG FU ELLIOT is one wild story.MORE +
Screen Relish: KUNG FU ELLIOT offers a lot of enjoyment from beginning to end.MORE +
Film Hamster Like one of those train wrecks you can’t help but slow down to watch, KUNG FU ELLIOT is a fantastic documentaryMORE +
Film School Rejects: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a must watch for...those who love fascinating glimpses into human behavior.MORE +
Film Fan Dojo on KUNG FU ELLIOT: An amazing trip inside a world where fantasy and reality collideMORE +
Nuke the Fridge: KUNG FU ELLIOT Interview with directors Jaret Belliveau and Matthew Bauckman MORE +
New York Times: KUNG FU ELLIOT Documentary Follows a Martial Arts EnthusiastMORE +
Twitch Film: As a study of psychosis, of how we build our own narratives to shield ourselves from the wolves of reality, KUNG FU ELLIOT is dynamic, deceptive, and powerful filmmaking. TMORE +
Real Screen: The Orchard takes KUNG FU ELLIOT for U.S.MORE +
Daily Rind: Martial Arts’ Next Big Thing - KUNG FU ELLIOTMORE +
Unseen Films: KUNG FU ELLIOT is as trippy a documentary as you will ever seeMORE +
Ain't It Cool News on KUNG FU ELLIOT: Mark my words, you will know who Elliot Scott isMORE +
Missoula News: Kung Fu Elliot is hilarious, but unlike American Movie the film takes some dark and surprising turns.MORE +
The Weekender: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a funny but all too poignant portrait of a pathological man MORE +
Daily Grindhouse: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a hilarious, shocking, depressing, fascinating look at a man sustained by a mixture of ego and delusionMORE +
Screen Daily: KUNG FU ELLIOT is one of top films of 2014MORE +
PBS POV: Kung Fu Elliot selected as one of best documentaries of 2014MORE +
Twitch Film: KUNG FU ELLIOT makes Best of 2014 listMORE +
Vice: KUNG FU ELLIOT is the fight film we needed and deserved this year. MORE +
The Coast: KUNG FU ELLIOT is one of the most honest and entertaining documentaries of the last decade. MORE +
The Chronicle Herald: Deconstructing Kung Fu ElliotMORE +
Winnipeg Free Press recommends KUNG FU ELLIOTMORE +
Repo Zine (Japan) on KUNG FU ELLIOT: Self-proclaimed, Canadian action hero catches blood of JapanMORE +
High Def Digest on KUNG FU ELLIOT: Goofy, silly, moving, creepy and always fascinating.MORE +
Moviefone: KUNG FU ELLIOT Review: 5 Reasons to Watch the Surreal Canadian DocMORE +
Globe and Mail on KUNG FU ELLIOT: To some he’s a dreamer; to others, delusional.MORE +
The Action Elite: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a surreal meditation on truth and self deception.MORE +
Now Toronto: KUNG FU ELLIOT is an absolute trip...4 starsMORE +
CBC News: Two Moncton filmmakers are winning awards at several film festivals for KUNG FU ELLIOT MORE +
The Cinema Kick: KUNG FU ELLIOT is the most shocking documentary I have seen this year.MORE +
Northern Life Canada: Best of Hot Docs returns to Sudbury includes KUNG FU ELLIOTMORE +
Made in Arkansas: KUNG FU ELLIOT must see documentary at Hot Springs Film FestivalMORE +
Revista du Cinema: KUNG FU ELLIOT selected for The SCREENS - International TV Festival de São Paulo MORE +
Movies.com: KUNG FU ELLIOT named one of best villains from Fantastic Fest MORE +
Fred FM: Raidance Film Festival Podcast with KUNG FU ELLIOT Producer MORE +
WEC: KUNG FU ELLIOT is very funny and tenderhearted with added darkness.MORE +
Mild Concern: KUNG FU ELLIOT is an engaging portrait of a baffling man and I urge you to take a look.MORE +
CineCola: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a truly entertaining, gripping and at times surreal portrayal MORE +
Critics Associated on KUNG FU ELLIOT: 4 stars. A very intimate movie...simply hilarious. MORE +
I-Flicks: 4 stars...shocking, moving and gripping MORE +
Crispy Sharp: KUNG FU ELLIOT is about the crazy lengths that some people go to to tell stories.MORE +
Critics Associated: KUNG FU ELLIOT one of six films vying for Best Documentary of the YearMORE +
Ain't It Cool News: It's got humor with tidbits of creepy all along the way...had me hooked.MORE +
I-Flicks names KUNG FU ELLIOT one of top 20 films to see at Raindance Film FestivalMORE +
Austin 360: KUNG FU ELLIOT got Best Picture in documentaryMORE +
Pop Culture Beast: There is a lot more going on in this film than its cheery premise would suggest and I strongly recommend it.MORE +
We Are Movie Geeks: KUNG FU ELLIOT oozes with authenticity...4 out of 5 stars.MORE +
True View Reviews: 4 out of 4 stars...an entertaining, but truly bizarre story. MORE +
The Movie Blog: KUNG FU ELLIOT is very funny and tenderhearted with added darkness.MORE +
Austin Chronicle: As KUNG FU ELLIOT unfurls, something darker and more disturbing is revealedMORE +
Film Dispenser: KUNG FU ELLIOT was the standout at Fantastic FestMORE +
KUNG FU ELLIOT wins Best Documentary Award and Audience Award Runner-up at Fantastic Fest 2014MORE +
Austin-American Statesmen: KUNG FU ELLIOT chosen as 10 to watch at Fantastic FestMORE +
Badass Digest: There is a lot to discuss about KUNG FU ELLIOT, and I hope to have great conversations about it in the future.MORE +
Next Projection: KUNG FU ELLIOT delivers on the “What the Fuck?” factor.MORE +
RoboApocalypse: 3.5/4...KUNG FU ELLIOT is a remarkable documentary. It's one of the most surprising films of the year.MORE +
Cinapse: KUNG FU ELLIOT is equal parts American movie, Gambler and Overnight and a must for filmmakers and genre fans alike.MORE +
Ain't It Cool News: Exclusive Clip from Fantastic Fest's KUNG FU ELLIOTMORE +
Selig Film News: Fantastic Fest Interview with KUNG FU ELLIOT Directors MORE +
Vue UK on KUNG FU ELLIOT: This jaw-dropping documentary takes us on a wild ride.MORE +
Kung Fu Elliot selected for Raindance Film Festival 2014MORE +
Winchester Film Club: Nothing can quite prepare you for the life of Elliot 'White Lightning' Scott.MORE +
Ain't It Cool News: KUNG FU ELLIOT in first wave of trailer selections for Fantastic FestMORE +
Indiewire: KUNG FU ELLIOT selected for Fantasic Fest 2014MORE +
Montreal Gazette: KUNG FU ELLIOT is highly entertaining, it will make you laugh and it might even make you cry. MORE +
Daily Grindhouse: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a sad, astounding, constantly surprising chunk of real life.MORE +
Unseen Films on KUNG FU ELLIOT: You'll be talking about this film for weeks.MORE +
9to5: Jaret Belliveau and David Eberts, KUNG FU ELLIOT podcast – Fantasia EditionMORE +
Breakfast Television Montreal: KUNG FU ELLIOT follows an eccentric martial artist from New Brunswick who is obsessed with becoming Canada’s first action movie star.MORE +
Darren's World: The emotional consequences of KUNG FU ELLIOT are quietly gripping. MORE +
Better With Popcorn: 9/10... if you enjoy fascinating documentaries involving people trying to achieve their dreams, KUNG FU ELLIOT is very funny, entertaining.MORE +
The 13th Floor on KUNG FU ELLIOT: What unfolds will have you rolling-in-the-aisles with laughter.MORE +
Montreal Gazette: Fantasia Fest's essential premise of discovery includes KUNG FU ELLIOTMORE +
Flicks NZ on KUNG FU ELLIOT: You’ll be talking about this one to fellow moviegoers the second you get the chance.MORE +
Lumiere Reader: Like the best awkward/crazy subject documentaries, KUNG FU ELLIOT makes for engaging, mouth agape viewing.MORE +
Flicks NZ on KUNG FU ELLIOT: Documentary examination on Elliot “White Lightning” Scott – martial arts enthusiastMORE +
Sound on Sight: Fantasia Fest announces full lineup - includes KUNG FU ELLIOTMORE +
3 News NZ: KUNG FU ELLIOT is an amazing, unique cinema experience MORE +
Cinedelphia: KUNG FU ELLIOT is the perfect subject, and the filmmakers capture the balance between his questionable idiosyncrasies and admirable spirit MORE +
Scribe Hard on Film: Kung Fu Elliot is a documentary with some serious game.MORE +
York Region: Canadians win big at Slamdance Film Festival with KUNG FU ELLIOTMORE +
Scene Creek: 4 out of 5 stars for KUNG FU ELLIOTMORE +
JB Spins: KUNG FU ELLIOT is dramatic stuff and a not inconsiderable feat of filmmakingMORE +
Slug Magazine: KUNG FU ELLIOT directors Belliveau and Bauckman deserve two snaps up for editing this film, as it unfolds beautifully.MORE +
Movies.com on KUNG FU ELLIOT: This is the sort of doc that could eventually become a cult hit. MORE +
Vice: KUNG FU ELLIOT is as entertaining as reality television, but with a sensitivity and thoughtfulness that provokes meditation on the nature of truth, and the desire for fame.MORE +
Digital Journal: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a special movie that fits neatly within the adage: "You just can't write this stuff." MORE +
Wylie Writes: KUNG FU ELLIOT will undoubtably earn cult notoriety...it’ll make your head spin.MORE +
Canadian Film Review: KUNG FU ELLIOT examines the fine line that exists between dream and delusion.MORE +
The Mind Reels: KUNG FU ELLIOT is fun, earnest, honest, funny, revealing, and troubling.MORE +
Toronto Star: KUNG FU ELLIOT is troubling but thoroughly engaging viewingMORE +
Toronto Film Scene: Interview with KUNG FU ELLIOT directors, Matthew Bauckman & Jaret BelliveauMORE +
Toronto Film Scene: KUNG FU ELLIOT is one of the most unforgettable documentary subjects in years.MORE +
Cinema Axis: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a film with far more depth than its humorous exterior suggestsMORE +
Black Sheep Reviews: Get ready to go on the journey of a lifetime with KUNG FU ELLIOTMORE +
One Movie, Five Views: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a shocking and wildly entertaining documentary MORE +
FernTV: KUNG FU ELLIOT is such a knockout of a story and not just a cheap sweep of the leg. MORE +
POV Magazine: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a striking performance that reveals the fictions people invent when they’re placed before a camera MORE +
National Post: KUNG FU ELLIOT makes list of ten to see at this year’s Hot Docs festivalMORE +
The Grid: KUNG FU ELLIOT one of 10 movies you must see at HotDocs 2014MORE +
BlogTO: KUNG FU ELLIOT selected as one of Top 5 films to see at HotDocs 2014MORE +
Now Toronto: KUNG FU ELLIOT delivers huge laughs and a palpable underlying sadness.MORE +
Toronto Star: KUNG FU ELLIOT makes must-see list at HotDocs 2014MORE +
Dork Shelf: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a character study that lands somewhere between charming comedy and unsettling psychodrama.MORE +
Fresh Roasted Films: KUNG FU ELLIOT is a character study that will stay with you.MORE +
Indiewire: KUNG FU ELLIOT tackles the illusion of truthMORE +
Criterion Cast on KUNG FU ELLIOT: One of the more intriguing looks at human nature in quite some time.MORE +
Film Pulse: KUNG FU ELLIOT is incredibly entertaining and ultimately bizarre documentary about a man chasing a simple dream.MORE +
Twitch Film: KUNG FU ELLIOT is dynamic, deceptive, and powerful filmmakingMORE +
Pretty Clever Films: KUNG FU ELLIOT is an interesting look at the collision between dreams and reality.MORE +

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