EL BOXEO
FILM PRODUCER: RICK GIL DE MONTES
EL BOXEO tells the dramatic and timely story of the emergence and dominance of Latinos in what was once considered the traditional all-white sport of boxing. The film illustrates the evolution of the sport as Latino fighters exploded onto the scene. And, reveals how these immigrant pugilists redefined the world of boxing and established the west coast as the new mecca in the sport. EL BOXEO is as much a film about Latinos in boxing as it is about the immigrant stories that reshaped the sport.
Cast: Oscar de la Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard, Victor Ortiz, Ray Mancini, Fernando Vargas, Ruben Olivares, Wilfredo Vazquez, Bobby Chacon, Julio Cesar Chavez, Carlos Palomino, Jimmy Lennon Jr., Larry Merchant, Al Bernstein, Mia St. John, Chris Arreola, Saul Alvarez, and many, many, more.
CYPRESS HILL
The CYPRESS HILL documentary will not only explore the humble beginnings of the band; their relationship with gang culture; the pioneering importance of a Latino hip hop band on the west coast; their indelible impact on hip hop music or their political and social influence in cannabis culture… we will tell the untold story of the young Latino men of immigrant parents, who struggled through rough childhoods with deep roots in a violent, urban, culture that rebelled against the status quo and banded together to become something greater than they ever could as individuals. This is the real story… of Cypress Hill.
I’ve been a fan of The Hill since the early 90’s. Now that I’m contributing to the production of this film I feel both grateful and excited to be a part of such an important project.
In 1988 the beginning of what would become one of the biggest influences in hip hop music history was formed when Senen Reyes (Sen Dog), Lawrence Muggerud (DJ Muggs) and Louis Freese (B-Real) formed Cypress Hill. The result earned them worldwide stardom, critical acclaim, millions of fans from across the globe and a legacy few bands will ever achieve. Nominated for three Grammy awards, Cypress Hill became the first Latin American hip hop group to have multi-platinum albums selling more than 20 million records worldwide. In 1991 their first self-titled album sold more than 2 million copies in the U.S. alone. In 1993, the groups second album, Black Sunday, debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and they became the first hip hop group to have two albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 at the same time.
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL
The road to self-discovery is mankind’s longest-standing journey. Emigration, and subsequent assimilation and acculturation by which many have lost the unique identity associated with their culture and heritage, has caused a transcultural dilemma that must be confronted. Birthright Israel, the documentary, tackles this dilemma head on. Driven by the context that pushed and pulled the Jews to emigrate from Israel, the film focuses on the coming-of-age pursuit made by young adults to explore their ancestors’ land of Israel, unearth their Jewish roots, and discover an identity that had remained hidden from them until their participation in Taglit-Birthright Israel.
Although production on this project has been paused, I’m proud to showcase the trailer for what will be a very special film.