Shadow Dancer

A Portrait of a Modern Bullfighter in America.
After a twenty year break from bullfighting in Mexico, Agustín Gutiérrez returns to the ring. He talks about his passions and fears in this new version of bullfighting in the central valley of California.
Depicted in this film is the Bloodless Variation of Azorean Portuguese Style Bullfighting a non-abusive, pro bull, non-kill interpretation of traditional bullfighting.

  • Bruce Temuchin Brown
    Director
  • Agustín Gutiérrez
    Bullfighter
  • Bruce Temuchin Brown
    Writer
  • Eric Harper
    Music
  • Pati Torres Brown
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 30, 2019
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.4:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Atlanta Shortsfest 2020
    Atlanta
    United States
    August 28, 2020
    Winner Best Documentary
  • Spotlight Shorts Film Awards 2020
    Atlanta
    United States
    January 16, 2021
    Winner Platinum Award
Distribution Information
  • Bruce Temuchin Brown
    Country: United States
Director Biography - Bruce Temuchin Brown

Bruce is a West Coast photographer/filmaker specializing in portraiture of the human condition. He has shot for such clients as AT&T Wireless, United Airlines, NCR, Chevron Texaco, Money, Forbes, Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine, Entrepreneur, USA Weekend Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Chronicle Sunday Magazine and Hemispheres, to mention a few.

In his work he has a propensity for capturing his subjects' essence to the degree that their portrayal creates a connection between the viewer and the subject. This glimpse reveals the epitome of the person, which creates images that evoke a sense of knowing and being. Whether working with stills, motion or fine art, his talent for encompassing the full range of human emotion is evident and alluring.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

What interested me in this project was the glimpse into this variation of Azorean Portuguese Style Bullfighting, a bloodless interpretation of traditional bullfighting. In that the bull and the fighter are on equal ground. Having witnessed traditional bullfighting in other countries it was refreshing to see the bulls leave the ring in the same shape as they entered. That can not be said for the matadors who often are introduced first hand to the power of these creatures. I hope you enjoy this character study of this controversial sport.