Mexican History Inspires American Made Street-Fighting Film

April 10, 2010 - PRLog -- When West Michigan native Paul C. Miller set about to direct the modern day street-fighting film "Cinco de Mayo - The Battle" for Laguna Productions, he, like many Americans, had no idea what the May fifth holiday was about.  "I thought it was just a day where Mexicans hand a big party," says Paul.  "Then I started researching Mexico's history and realized the date was much more significant."

The holiday Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's unlikely victory over the much larger, better equipped French Army during the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862.  "Cinco de Mayo came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism," say Paul.  "The symbolism, in turn, is integral in the development of Juan Alvarado, the hero in "Cinco de Mayo - The Battle."

"Cinco de Mayo - The Battle" is a modern day retelling of the Battle of Puebla, albeit on a much smaller scale.  A victim of racism and jealousy, Juan's had to fight all of his life.  After finding out his grandmother needs an expensive operation to save her life, Juan enters the dangerous world of underground street-fighting where he faces undefeated French fighter Eiffel Tower.  He can win big money in the fight scheduled for May 5th...if he survives.

Mexican history also plays a big part in Juan's fight training, due to the influences of coach Don Benito. Elaborating on ideas written into the original script by writer Eduardo Shillinsky, Paul tapped into a sport steeped in Mexican tradition.  "Lucha Libre (Spanish for "free fighting") is an important facet of Mexican culture.  Average citizens seeking a safe way to speak out against evil and corruption that resided in Mexican bureaucracy could do so without incrimination at Lucha Libre events," explains Paul.  "Spectators could rally against the bad guys (Rudos) and cheer the good guys (Technicos), allowing their voices to be heard."

Paul uses the Lucha Libre mystique throughout the film, from the masks justified as a way to hide fighters identity during the illegal fights, to the teaching of Don Benito.  "The masked wrestlers of Mexico back in the day stood for something.  Good or bad, they represented core human values.  Lucha Libre wrestlers set examples by which even mere mortals could rise up to.  They were Mexico's equivalent to a superhero, only real!"

In regards to Latin inspired films, Paul is excited.  "Mexican culture is rich with great material for writers and filmmakers.  Since "Cinco de Mayo," I've written an Mexican-American buddy film and a gunslinging action film, both featuring Hispanic leads and based on Mexican culture."  

"Cinco de Mayo - The Battle" is now available at Walmart and Walmart Online.

                                                                        *     *     *

# # #

Laguna Productions is a film production and distribution company located in California. It specializes in Latino driven films with strong Latin messages pertaining to culture and the Latin experience.