Watch Cock Fight: One Man's Battle Against the Chicken Industry

Cock Fight: One Man's Battle Against the Chicken Industry is a riveting documentary film released in 2015 that tells the story of one man's crusade against the inhumane practices of the chicken-fighting industry. Directed by Oscar-nominated director Terry Leonard and produced by investigative journalist Mariana van Zeller, this documentary takes an unflinching look at the brutal world of cockfighting, while also exploring the complex cultural, legal and ethical issues that surround it in America.

The film follows Tim, a former cockfighter who has gone undercover to expose the cruelty and corruption of the industry. Tim is a fascinating character, a man who once raised and trained fighting roosters but who now campaigns tirelessly against the industry, doing everything he can to bring it to an end. Through Tim's eyes, we see the dark side of the chicken-fighting world, witnessing first-hand the training methods, the fights themselves, and the aftermath of the clashes.

As Tim travels across the country, he meets with other cockfighters, animal rights activists, and experts in the field, giving the viewer a multi-faceted understanding of what is at stake. Along the way, he also encounters the legal obstacles that stand in his way, including the fact that cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states, except in Puerto Rico and Guam.

Throughout the film, Cock Fight exposes the often-overlooked realities of the chicken-fighting industry, revealing the deep-seated cruelty and inhumanity that lies at its core. From the heartless training methods to the brutal fights themselves, this film pulls no punches in painting a vivid picture of the horrific world inhabited by fighting roosters.

But the documentary doesn't just focus on the negative aspects of the industry. It also examines the cultural and social background of cockfighting, and how it came to be a part of American culture. From the historical roots of the practice in ancient Greece to its present-day incarnation in small towns and rural areas, we gain a nuanced understanding of what drives people to participate in this blood sport.

Cock Fight also explores the complex legal issues surrounding cockfighting. While most US states have outlawed the practice, there is a growing movement among some communities to legalize it or decriminalize it. The film examines the arguments for and against legalization, and whether it is possible for the industry to operate in a more humane and regulated way.

Throughout the film, Mariana van Zeller's investigative journalism skills are on full display, as she takes the viewer on a journey into the darkest corners of the chicken-fighting world. She interviews cockfighters, animal welfare activists, political commentators and experts, shedding light on the multifaceted aspects of this polarizing issue. With her unflappable presence, she brings a crucial perspective to the project, serving as an advocate for animal welfare while also seeking to understand the motivations of those who participate in cockfighting.

Overall, Cock Fight: One Man's Battle Against the Chicken Industry is a powerful, thought-provoking film that exposes the grim realities of the chicken-fighting world while also exploring the cultural, legal and ethical questions that surround it. Through the eyes of Tim and his journey to uncover the truth behind the industry, we are given a unique perspective on a practice that has been part of American culture for centuries. With its unrelenting portrayal of the brutality of cockfighting, and its balanced exploration of the issues surrounding it, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of animal welfare, cultural tradition, and legal regulation.

Cock Fight: One Man's Battle Against the Chicken Industry is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 43 minutes.