Asali Echols
filmmaker, editor
Now Streaming!
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/358899
Lion on the Mat is a short documentary following Mai Nguyen as she trains for a Jiu Jitsu match. We witness how she mentally and physically prepares, balancing the demands of regular life — job, being a single mother — with training. As we gradually learn more about her past, we understand her commitment to martial arts as a way to recover from the trauma of her abusive childhood and ex-husband.
The film is a story of resilience, strength, and finding solace in unexpected places.
RECENT SCREENINGS
Cinequest 2021 — Best Documentary Short Winner
SF IndieFest 2022 — Audience Choice Award Winner — Best Documentary Short
Ojai Film Festival 2021 — Best Documentary Short Winner
Reality Bytes Film Festival 2021 — Best Documentary Short Winner
USA Film Festival 2021 — Student Nonfiction Award Winner
Irvine International Film Festival 2021 — Student Documentary Short Award Winner
Docs Without Borders Film Festival 2021 — Award of Outstanding Excellence
Kansas City FilmFest International 2021
Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2021
Ivy Film Festival 2021
Humboldt International Film Festival 2021
Woods Hole International Film Festival 2021
Nevada City Film Festival 2021
Richmond International Film Festival 2021
Burbank International Film Festival 2021
New Jersey Film Festival 2021
Buffalo International Film Festival 2021
Female Filmmakers Festival Berlin 2021
Bend Film Festival 2021
United Nations International Festival 2021
Vancouver Asian American Film Festival 2021
Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival 2021
San Diego Asian American Film Festival 2021
The project began when when I met Mai at a Fourth of July party in 2018. I was moved by her honesty and openness, and her deep commitment to martial arts. We became running partners, and as we built up miles together, I began to see the incredible strength with which she approaches every aspect of her life. I am honored and humbled to have become Mai’s friend, and that she allowed me to help tell her story through film.
