At a Glance
- A new documentary titled Saber follows the Saber Legion, a real-world lightsaber combat league, toward its world championships in Las Vegas.
- Director Matthew Wiatt shot for three years, amassing up to 15 terabytes of footage that became a 90-minute film.
- The movie premieres February 2025 at the 51st Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival.
- Why it matters: It shows how Star Wars fandom has evolved into a competitive sport and a supportive community.
The first trailer for Saber, a feature-length documentary about competitive lightsaber battling, has debuted exclusively through News Of Fort Worth. Directed by Matthew Wiatt, the film tracks members of the Saber Legion (TSL) as they fight their way toward the lightsaber fighting world championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. The documentary will world-premiere in February at the 51st Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival.
From TikTok Clip to Feature Film
Wiatt’s entry point was a TikTok video posted by Alec, a TSL competitor. “The combat immediately grabbed me. It was competitive, cinematic, and hit a strong nostalgic chord,” Wiatt told News Of Fort Worth. After discovering Alec lived an hour away, Wiatt attended a tournament in Orlando, Florida, where he also met Kat, another central figure in the finished film.
Three Years, Terabytes of Footage
Production spanned roughly three years, wrapping post-production in summer 2025. The editorial challenge was massive: shaping 10-15 terabytes of material into a focused, character-driven 90-minute cut. “Time and money are the obvious ones,” Wiatt said of the independent production’s hurdles, crediting his crew for helping navigate limited resources.
Community Beyond Combat
What surprised Wiatt most was the openness of the Saber Legion. “Everyone was generous with their time and trust,” he noted. Since completing the film, Wiatt has joined TSL himself, experiencing the community from the inside. He describes the group as “centered on connection, support, and belonging,” not merely sport.
Easter Eggs for Fans
While the film aims to resonate with non-fans, Star Wars enthusiasts will spot visual nods, cultural references, and small Easter eggs scattered throughout. “Whether or not you’re a Star Wars fan, I hope the film encourages people to look for communities where they feel supported,” Wiatt said.
Key Takeaways
- Lightsaber dueling has become a legitimate competitive sport with organized tournaments and world championships.
- A three-year independent production captured the Saber Legion’s journey, turning thousands of hours of footage into a 90-minute documentary.
- The film’s broader message focuses on finding connection and acceptance within niche communities.
For more information on Saber, visit the film’s official website.
