Buffalo Girls 2012

In this poignant documentary, the lens focuses on the lives of two precocious Muay Thai fighters, Stam Sor Con Lek (now known as Stamp Fairtex) and Pet Chor Chanachai, who at a tender eight years old, are already plying their trade in rural Thailand’s dusty arenas. The duo’s determination to succeed is driven by more than just the thrill of competition - they’re fighting to make ends meet, with every bout serving as a lifeline for their struggling families. Theirs is a battle not only against opponents but also against the crushing poverty that has ravaged their community.

In this harsh economic landscape, where agriculture and industry offer meager returns, the sweet science of boxing serves as one of the few escape routes from Thailand’s commercial sex trade. For these youngsters, the chance to step into the ring represents a golden opportunity to earn a small fortune - in some cases, enough to cover their family’s rent for an entire month, a sum that would be the envy of many rural farmers and factory workers.

As our camera captures the raw emotion and unbridled enthusiasm of these young fighters, we’re afforded a glimpse into the culture surrounding child boxing. Through candid interviews with their parents, referees, and professional gamblers, the film sheds light on the complex web of motivations that drives this unusual phenomenon. For Stam and Pet, the allure of victory is tempered by the harsh realities of poverty, and yet, they persevere, driven by a fierce determination to improve their families’ lot in life.