Hollister boxer featured in new film set to debut Thursday at
the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Even when there is no fight in the near future and nothing on the immediate horizon to be training for, Kelsey Jeffries does it anyway.
She exercises. She spars. She trains. She does all of the above and she does it daily.
It’s what has set the Hollister boxer apart from the crowd – well, that and her seven belts. But her obvious passion has never waned, even at 33, even with 51 fights to her name, even with nothing on the boxing slate.
Jeffries is hoping that effort and tenacity shines through in a new documentary titled “After the Last Round,” which is set to make its world premiere Thursday at the 24th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Jeffries is a key figure in the film, which will depict both the bright side and dark side of boxing, discussing the long-term and damaging effects the sport can have, while also showcasing its dedicated athletes and the levels they will go to in order to reach their goals.
“All the work and effort that I put into boxing I think is important to see,” Jeffries said. “I want to show that it is possible … to show what you can do and what you can achieve … and I’m excited about that message that I think I convey in the film.”
Director Ryan Pettey and executive producer Patrick Moyer discovered Jeffries while searching the Internet for local boxing gyms in Monterey. Pettey came across Jeffries instead and “the stars aligned” from there.
“There was a world champ fighting in our backyard,” Pettey said. “Kelsey’s story specifically is very important to the film. We wanted to show the dedication and sacrifice a fighter will go to for boxing.
“And it’s in her DNA … It’s her identity. Kelsey was very pivotal in showing that.”
The film highlights four different stories, including two involving brain damage – Tony Bruno and the Moyer’s, Denny and Phil, who are both related to the film’s executive producer.
Jeffries and Denver boxer DaVarryl Williamson portray the active fighter in their quest for greatness. While Jeffries’ story is said to deal more about her and her relationship with her manager, Williamson’s account is said to revolve around the dynamic with his family.
“The movie is about boxing and the effects boxing has on the fighter and its family,” said Pettey, who added that he wanted to make an honest film about boxing. “Boxing gave [Jeffries] a way off the streets, a sense of self and a sense of confidence. It also gave her a father figure.”
Pettey speaks of Jeffries’ manager, Bruce Anderson, who was interviewed for the film, as was his wife.
Anderson said he didn’t want to see Jeffries exploited and believes she will come out as the “success story” of the film.
Pettey and Moyer filmed Jeffries over the last three years. After initially meeting the Hollister fighter in late 2005, Pettey traveled with Jeffries to her training sessions in Vero Beach, Fla., as well as to fights in Cancun, Mexico and in Canyonville, Ore.
Parts of the film were also shot in Hollister at Jeffries’ house and at Gavilan College, where she is getting a nursing degree.
“I think it’ll show that she’s more than an athlete,” Anderson said. “She’s a tremendous athlete, but I think it will show that she has depth, that she’s dedicated, that she’s aware of the physical risks and that she paid the price to get where she is.”
And Jeffries is fully aware of the physical risks.
“We do play with fire, but a lot of professions play with fire,” Jeffries said. “It shows that part of the sport and I think that’s good. People will understand what fighters go through to achieve their dream. I don’t think it’s a negative. I think it’s the truth.
“I’m willing to take that chance. I’ve thought about it many times. It’s just a price I’m willing to pay to do what I love.”
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“After the Last Round” will be shown Thursday at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara at 5 p.m., and again at the Metro 4 in Santa Barbara on Sunday at 10:45 a.m.
