Thug Rose: Mixed Martial Artist is a documentary by Marius A. Markevičius that tells the story of Rose Namajunas, a two-time UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) champion fighter with Lithuanian roots. Screening at London’s Prince Charles Cinema on the 22nd of June, not only will UK residents and visitors have the opportunity to see the latest work of Ashes in the Snow director M.A. Markevičius but they can also meet the director in person.
So much more than just a film about UFC/MMA, this striking documentary aims to break down stereotypes and challenge perceptions of the sport, as well as highlight the differences between violence and competitive fighting – both key messages of a film that asks us to consider mixed-martial-arts with an open mind.
As many Lithuanian viewers have said: “It turns out that this film is not about martial arts or fighting at all”… “I was afraid of violence on the screen, but instead I saw a lesson about the constant struggle with my inner self…”
The story of Rose‘s long road to the title of Mixed Martial Arts World Champion began in 2017 when Marius first asked her to take part in this documentary. In large part because of their shared Lithuanian heritage and background, Rose accepted the offer and they met in Los Angeles shortly thereafter to record the first test interview.
The opening scene of the film shows Rose playing Chopin’s famous composition “Fantasie Impromptu” on the piano; it becomes evident that Namajunas is a sensitive and artistic soul, and that music is a very important part of her life. This passion for rhythm translates in the ring, where she moves gracefully, as if to an inaudible beat. However, Rose is also a tenacious fighter; this documentary is a frank portrayal of her gutsy spirit that also offers lessons in positivity and the search for belonging. It is the story of a person with unwavering self-confidence and a big heart that spotlights universal qualities: will, determination and the infinite possibilities these can bring when harnessed wisely.
Thug Rose: Mixed Martial Artist director M.A. Markevičius is also the author of one of Lithuania’s most-watched documentaries of all time: The Other Dream Team. The Lithuanian-American director also produced the most successful film ever shown in Lithuanian cinema, Ashes in the Snow, a screen adaptation of The New York Times best selling novel Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. With Rose’s story, M.A. Markevičius continues his mission to showcase the culture and beauty of the small but courageous Lithuanian nation to the world.
Hailing from a family of artists, Rose’s parents moved from Lithuania to Wisconsin, USA in 1992, where she was born that same year. A talent for fighting runs in Rose’s blood; her grandfather was a Lithuanian and Baltic wrestling champion, a legacy that she continues today. Rose began her professional MMA career in 2013 and made her UFC debut a year later. In 2017, she became the UFC strawweight champion (52 kg). She won the title again in 2020 defeating Chinese fighter Weili Zhang with a spectacular knockout kick that stunned the world of MMA.
Both Londoners and visitors to the city are invited to see the film on the big screen at the Prince Charles Cinema on June 22 and enjoy a special director’s Q&A with Marius A. Markevičius. For more information and tickets, please follow this link.
