Buffalo Girls 2012

In this moving documentary, the spotlight shines on the lives of two extraordinary Muay Thai fighters, Stam Sor Con Lek (now famously known as Stamp Fairtex) and Pet Chor Chanachai. At the tender age of just eight, these young warriors are already showcasing their skills in the dusty arenas of rural Thailand. Their fierce dedication to the sport stems from a necessity far beyond mere sport - they are fighting not only for glory but to provide for their families, with each match acting as a crucial lifeline in the face of overwhelming poverty that grips their community.

In a landscape marked by dire economic conditions, where agriculture and local industry yield scant rewards, the sweet science of boxing emerges as one of the few viable paths away from Thailand’s exploitative commercial sex trade. For Stam and Pet, stepping into the ring is not just about the thrill of competition; it represents a golden opportunity to secure a meager yet significant financial reward, often enough to cover their families’ rent for a month—a sum that far exceeds the earnings of numerous rural farmers and factory workers.

As the camera deftly captures the raw emotion and passionate fervor of these young athletes, viewers are granted an intimate look into the culture enveloping child boxing. The film features insightful interviews with their parents, referees, and professional gamblers, unraveling the intricate motivations that fuel this remarkable phenomenon. For both Stam and Pet, the allure of triumph is dimmed by the stark realities of their impoverished lives, yet their unyielding spirit pushes them forward, propelled by the hope of elevating their families’ circumstances through their martial endeavors.