The Machine
DIRECTED BY
Martin Rustandi
YEAR
2019
＿＿＿＿
On the surface, Jeff is a success! At the height of his career as a financial analyst, Jeff bankrolls an annual salary in the 7 digits. But deep down, he lives a numbing existence, feeling empty and devoid of purpose.
One day, Jeff decides to walk away from it all! Leaving behind a cushy job, trading in briefcase for boxers, Jeff trains to become a Mixed Martial Artist. A year later Jeff becomes the first Taiwanese to enter MMA’s professional leagues.
For his traditional family, this decision is irresponsible! His parents are disappointed and their relationship becomes strained. Yet Jeff remains steadfast and determined to challenge and redefine what society deems successful.
But when his aging body begins to betray him, when naysayers continue to come at him, when his savings run low, will “The Machine” run out of steam?
AWARDS
Best Pitch, 2017 CCDF
ASD Award, 2017 CCDF
Fareast Transvideo x CCDF Award, 2017 CCDF
OFFICIAL SELECTION
CCDF, 2017
Asian Side Of The Doc, 2018
Crossing Borders, 2018
CREADITS & SPECIFICATION
Director: Martin Rustandi
Producer: Diana Chiawen Lee
Co-producer: Gwyneth Rustandi
Music: Christina Liang
Presented by: The Rustandi Ltd
Presented by: The Rustandi Ltd
Production Company: The Rustandi Ltd and Dreams Films
In association with: Knowledge Network
Length: 52’
Length: 52’
Format: HD, Color
Country: Taiwan (R.O.C)
Language: Mandarin, English
SPECIAL THANKS TO
ASD - Asian Side of The Doc
CNEX - Chinese Doc Forum
Documentary Campus
EDN - European Documentary Network