DMF Episode 329 — Jaze Bordeaux (Part 4): The Future of Women in Film & Non-Traditional Roles

Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode we explore the evolving landscape of women in film — particularly in non-traditional and physically demanding roles — with filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux.In our conversation, Jaze shares his journey championing stories centered around women in combat sports and mixed martial arts — a concept that, when first pitched in 2016, was met with skepticism from distributors and industry decision-makers. At the time, many questioned whether audiences would support films featuring women in these kinds of physically intense, traditionally male-dominated roles.Despite the resistance, Jaze believed in the cultural and cinematic potential of these narratives and continued pushing forward. Today, the industry has shifted dramatically, with a growing wave of films highlighting women in combat sports and other unconventional spaces.We discuss:Women in non-traditional film rolesMixed martial arts films and combat sports cinemaIndustry skepticism vs audience demandProducing female-driven sports storiesIndependent film challenges during the pandemicFilm festival recognition and awards circuitsJaze also reflects on the success of his projects, which have earned over 30 awards — including honors at the prestigious Palladino D’Oro International Sports Film Festival. While accolades were never the goal, they stand as validation of the passion and perseverance behind these films.We also touch on the broader momentum building around stories like Queen of the Ring and Halle Berry’s MMA-focused work, signaling a larger industry shift toward inclusive, boundary-breaking storytelling.Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or film enthusiast, this episode highlights how persistence, vision, and advocacy can reshape what kinds of stories get told — and who gets to lead them.Join us as we explore the rise of women in combat sports cinema and the future of non-traditional roles in film.Check out these links:⁠⁠⁠http://jazebordeaux.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/jazebordeaux00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:05 - Advocacy for Women in Non-traditional Roles00:00:44 - Initial Resistance to Women's Mixed Martial Arts00:01:50 - Market Reception and Success of Women's Mixed Martial Arts00:04:20 - Accolades and Awards for the Film00:07:40 - Experience at the Palladino Doro International Sports Film Festival00:13:09 - Discussion on Short Film 'Starry Eyed'00:15:08 - Character Development and Casting Decisions00:16:32 - Involvement of Film School Graduates00:17:35 - The Evolution of Storytelling and Directing00:18:42 - Supporting Other Filmmakers and Directors00:19:55 - Introduction to 'Let Go'00:24:52 - Success of 'EFC' and Future Projects00:26:06 - Introduction to 'Genesis'00:26:13 - The Concept and Evolution of 'Genesis'00:30:25 - Clarification on 'The Arrival' Reference00:31:09 - Vision for 'Genesis'00:31:17 - The Timelessness of 'Genesis'00:32:17 - Advice for Storytelling00:32:31 - Closing Remarks