Private Project

Lucha: More than the Fight

Ian Hodgkinson, known as Vampiro in the world of wrestling, was a famed wrestler in the late 80’s and 90’s. Today, he shifted his career to being behind the scenes as a Story Producer for AAA, the top wrestling company in Lucha Libre. Hodgkinson intimately peels back the curtain on the mysteries of this show, how it’s produced, and what life is like on and off the stage. We dive deep in to the lives of two wrestlers and follow their stories as they prep for their next fight: El Hijo Del Fantasma, an up and coming star who seemingly has it all, as well as Faby Apache, a veteran female wrestler struggling to stay relevant as she raises her son.

Ian’s insight into the psyche of a professional performer comes with eye-opening wisdom. He quotes, “You’re starting to believe what people are saying about you. And it’s like dude, you are not a superhero. You’re an actor.... With a pen, I can create the next monster.” On paper, professional wrestlers seem to be untouchable — fame, money, and the opportunity to travel the world. But as we uncover the truth, we find that these are the very things Luchadores need to be wary of.

Our characters face having to lead two different lives in order to maintain success in the industry. They are known to millions as stars on stage but when they go home and the mask comes off, they’re met with a reality where fame loses it’s importance. We all struggle with balance in our lives. Despite all the sacrifice and pain that comes with being a player in this made up world, they still wouldn’t give it up for anything. There are no words to accurately describe the feeling and addiction that comes with being able to escape your own reality and become something else. “If you’ve never seen water in your life but I tell you how cool it is to swim you’re going to look at me like I’m a Martian, but if you jump in the pool you’re gonna get it. That’s what this is, you have to let it get in your skin, you gotta taste it,” says Ian. A perfect description of this world that still leaves room for the mystery that is Lucha Libre.

  • Josh Currie
    Director
  • Philippe Matteini
    Producer
  • Margaret Meo
    Producer
  • Todd Hanson
    Producer
  • Claire Haines
    Associate Producer
  • Rob Wynn
    Executive Producer
  • Josh Currie
    Camera Operator
  • Todd Hanson
    Camera Operator
  • Tyler Johnson
    Camera Operator
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    55 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 24, 2018
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Mexico
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    GoPro
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • San Diego Latino Film Festival
    San Diego
    United States
    March 25, 2019
Director Biography - Josh Currie

Stemming from an initial love for photography, Josh Currie graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Film Studies and Screenwriting. It was his combined love for athletics and beautiful imagery that sparked an interest in GoPro and brought him there in 2014. In almost 5 years at GoPro, he has honed his skills as an Editor, Director, and Story Teller. Josh specializes Sports Documentaries and has Directed and Edited titles such as, "Hala Madrid" a Facebook Series with over 26.5 million views, "Tyvis Powell: A Draft Story" and now, "Lucha: More than the Fight".

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Director Statement

It's an interesting thing telling a story around a subject that's sole entertainment model is built on story telling. A year ago I was given the opportunity to shoot some simple promotional content for GoPro's Latin American markets centered around the industries of Lucha Libre Mexicana. I greeted it with a chuckle and a smile. How can you not? At first glance you see grown men and women dancing around in costumes. But quickly after, it was that image alone that made me realize how fascinating the world of professional wrestling must be. I knew there was going to be something deeper there. After researching and getting on the phone with a number of "characters" from the show, it confirmed everything I was feeling and we quickly booked travel down to Mexico City for 7 days. We dug into the lives of our main characters and got a behind the scenes look into how they produce these global, live events. What we found there impacted me greatly. How strange it must be to live two lives? On stage you've been given a different name. You wear a face that is not your own. And you are shaped to be whomever the Show Runner wants you to be. You're famous, but only the scripted version of yourself. To the fans, you have all the riches in the world, but you go home to emptiness. There is a lot of brokenness and sacrifice in this world and you find that everyone admits to chasing something that wont matter in the end while trying to find themselves in what truly gives them fulfillment.