“Beyond the Mat” is the next classic sports movie with the best elements of an edge of your seat sports movie. The underdog must rise to the challenge, but with a new modern twist. Imagine Friday Night Lights but on the wrestling mat. Not just a sports story… Not just a love story… Beyond the Mat was chosen out of thousands of scripts to be an official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival All Access Program.

3 periods…2 minutes…1 dream

Set against the backdrop of a suburban high school in Middle America, Beyond the Mat is the coming of age tale of Aaron Miller (John Wynn). Amidst the struggle of a disintegrating friendship, the tormenting of a cross‐town wrestling rival, and the blossoming of a new love, Aaron is forced to come to terms with who he really is. Aaron’s friendship is put on the line when best friend Bo (Mark Hapka), blinded by the desire for a rematch against cross‐town wrestling rival Dominic (Jonathan Kowalsky), robs Aaron of his spot on the varsity wrestling team. Aaron is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his commitment to his sport. Fueled by the desire to succeed and the need to prove himself, Aaron embarks on a journey of self discovery. At times, Aaron’s struggles on the mat mirror his struggles in daily life. His wrestling encounters are a physical manifestation of his emotional struggle, a metaphor for what he is going through. The drama culminates in an explosive finale at the State Wrestling Championship where more than just pride is on the line. It’s a tale about two best friends, a chronicle about minority experiences in America, an uncensored look into the perilous world of high school wrestling, and ultimately the story of a teen who overcomes self‐doubt to find his true place.

You can catch the film at the 2013 Asian American International Film Festival and other film festivals near you.

Beyond the Mat trailer