Sol Y Luna, Kino Lorber's new Spanish-language label, is proud to announce the acquisition of all US and Canadian rights to the documentary LUCHA MEXICO, directed by Alex Hammond (Better Than Something: Jay Reatard, Children of Haiti) and Ian Markiewicz (Better Than Something: Jay Reatard, The Love We Make).
This "infectious" (Film Journal) documentary explores the behind-the-scenes, as well as the cultural context, of the "Lucha Libre" wrestling phenomenon. The film had its US premiere at last year's DOC NYC, the largest film festival exclusively dedicated to documentaries in the United States.
Scheduled for a national day-and-date release on July 15, 2016, Lucha Mexico will become available simultaneously on iTunes, Cable on Demand and in at least a dozen markets, including engagements in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, San Diego, and Albuquerque.
Focusing on a fascinating group of luchadores/performers, like Shocker (or 1000% Guapo), Jon "Strongman" Andersen, Blue Demon Jr., Fabian El Gitano and El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo, among many others, Lucha Mexico reveals what it takes to succeed in the Lucha Libre business - also capturing the excitement over this unique mix of brawling, entertainment and acrobatics.
The deal was negotiated between the filmmakers, Markiewicz and Hammond, and Wendy Lidell, Kino Lorber's Sr. VP Theatrical/Nontheatrical Distribution & Acquisitions, and the company's Director of Marketing, Sylvia Savadjian.
"Our new film Lucha Mexico has been a passion project of many years, tirelessly following some of the hardest working Luchadores in the world - both in and out of the ring," wrote directors Alex Hammond and Ian Markiewicz. "We are ecstatic to be partnering with Kino Lorber, whose long-standing passion for sharing unique films has made great cinema accessible to everyone. As the US and Mexico grow closer, we think this celebration of the Mexican spirit will create an exciting connection between movie lovers, Lucha fans and audiences from either side of the border."
"Kino Lorber is ready to fight for Lucha Mexico, and our team has put together a unique strategy to make sure that the film can reach the widest possible audience, combining our best theatrical and digital efforts," wrote Kino Lorber CEO Richard Lorber. "We're certain that Americans will share Mexico's excitement over Lucha Libre, once they peek behind the curtain of one of the most ambitious spectacles on earth."
The historic Arena Mexico (pictured above) lies in the center of a sprawling Mexico City, hidden amongst auto repair shops, mom and pop taco stands and shuttered night clubs. For most of the past century, this unassuming venue has been the weekly home of Lucha Libre, a place where masked Luchadores entertain thousands of fans with displays of athleticism and acrobatics, and where some of the most exciting wrestling shows in the world are held.
Shot over the course of four years, and with full access to Mexico's biggest Lucha Libre promotions, Lucha Mexico gives viewers an exciting cinematic look at the triumphs and struggles of a cast of fan-favorites. And as the country fights back against crime, corruption and an insistent economic crisis, the innocent catharsis of Lucha Libre is more sought after than ever.
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