Amid Sex Abuse Allegations, Documentary ‘Fight Church’ Receives Distribution, TV Deal
A feature documentary entitled “Fight Church,” which focuses on four different pastors who also double as mixed martial artists, has secured deals with Lionsgate and Morgan Spurlock’s production company Warrior Poets.
The distribution deal with Lionsgate means the film will be made available on iTunes and other digital platforms as soon as Sept. 16. It will also be streaming on Netflix this Fall. As a result of signing with Warrior Poets, the movie will be made into a reality television series.
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The subject matter of the documentary already made the film a hot topic, but following a report by Bloodyelbow.com, the decision by the two companies to back the film to a widespread audience could face scrutiny.
The article details sexual abuse allegations against pastor Paul Burress, a key component of the film. In addition, the report claims that the molestation of children by a parishioner were covered up by Paul’s father, Joe Burress, during his time leading the church.
The initial report resulted in Rochester, N.Y., police opening an investigation into Victory Church, where Burress works, according to a follow-up report by Bloody Elbow.
The film is co-directed by Oscar-winner Daniel Junge and Bryan Storkel. “Fight Church” also includes interviews with Ultimate Fighting Championship standouts Benson Henderson and Jon Jones. Below is the official trailer for the film.
