San Diego Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival
El Luchador was nominated for Best Action/Adventure Film at the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival. Writer/Director Polaris Castillo, Co-Writer Timmar Jones, stars Gavilan de Oro and Motros Jungle cut a promo at the festival panel after the screening. Fans from Mexicalli crossed the Mexican border to attend.
El Luchador is a wonderfully-shot short film that's long on heart and reminds us that even after you get knocked down, there's always something worth fighting for.
Jason Solomon, founder and host of Solomonster Sounds Off
December 19, 2023
Under The Lens with Byron Lafayette
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, director Polaris Castillo and producer Dan Marcus chat with Byron Lafayette about BIPOC representation, how fiction is inherently cultural, and how the pro-wrestling icon The Undertaker inspired this film to be made.
Watch: Polaris Castillo's Moving Lucha Libre Short Film El Luchador
"I'm putting an end to the tyranny! I will fight for my people. I will bring them peace and glory!" Another outstanding independent short film to watch when you have a chance. El Luchador is made by filmmaker Polaris Castillo and tells the story of a professional wrestler who goes into seclusion after his undefeated streak comes to an end. This is a very impressive, well-made, emotional short film that speaks to much more than just wrestling and the Lucha Libre life. Some of the footage reminds me a bit of Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, but this goes down its own path when it comes to the actual story and characters.
by Alex Billington
December 29, 2017
A professional wrestler goes into seclusion after his undefeated streak comes to an end.
Written and Directed by Polaris Castillo
Produced by Dan Marcus, Julian Park and Polaris Castillo
Produced by Sweet Nightmares and Hyper Tensive Films
Story by Polaris Castillo and Timmar Jones
Cinematography by Pascal Combes-Knoke
Music and Sound Design by Joelian Sanchez
Visual Effects by Antonio R. Lyons
Edited by Polaris Castillo
Costumes by Dylan Hair and Stephanie Urness
Entrance Theme Music by Agrimony
Poster Art by Elena Kulikova
Starring:
Gavilan De Oro, Motros Jungle, Belén Oyola-Rebaza, Xavier Charcas & Mikey Gordon
