The Anticipated Release of La Lucha in Fuerteventura
This Friday, January 30th, moviegoers across the country will be graced with the arrival of La Lucha, directed by Jose Alayón. The premiere in Fuerteventura will feature none other than Tomasín Padrón, the film’s lead, who will present the screening at 5:30 PM. The film will run on the island from January 30th to February 5th, with tickets available through the Yelmo website.
A Star-Studded Cast
La Lucha centers on the lives of Miguel, played by Tomasín Padrón, and his daughter Mariana, portrayed by the talented Yazmina Estupiñán. The film also features Inés Cano, a renowned canarian wrestler, who takes on the role of Inés, Miguel’s sister. Interestingly, Alayón opted to work with real wrestlers throughout the casting process, thereby enriching the film with authenticity.
A Captivating Setting
The entire film was shot on location in Fuerteventura, showcasing the stunning landscapes of Pájara, Tuineje, Puerto del Rosario, and Antigua. Combining local talent, the production involved numerous wrestlers, technical crew, and artists from the island. With over 300 extras contributing to the project, La Lucha provides a unique opportunity for audiences to see their homeland represented on the silver screen.
Film Festival Acclaim
La Lucha (running time: 92 minutes) first premiered at the San Sebastián Film Festival in the New Directors section in September 2025. The debut was notable for a large-scale exhibition of canarian wrestling on Zurriola Beach. Its festival journey has led to significant accolades, including an Honorary Mention by the Jury at the Mostra Internacional de Cine in São Paulo, Brazil, and a Best Music award at the Cinespaña Festival in Toulouse, France. The film also received honors for Best Film and the Youth Jury Award at the Efebo d’Oro Film Festival in Palermo, Italy, among other selections at prominent festivals like Thessaloniki, Vancouver, and Alice nella Città.
A Story of Resilience
At its core, La Lucha tells the poignant story of Miguel and his daughter Mariana grappling with the death of their wife and mother. This profound loss has left them feeling adrift. Their journey of healing involves immersing themselves in the world of canarian wrestling, a legacy that allows them to carve out a new identity. As Miguel’s physical capabilities begin to fade, Mariana channels her frustrations by challenging the rules of their wrestling community. With the championship final approaching, both father and daughter strive to reconnect before it’s too late.
Exploring Physicality as Narrative
Director Jose Alayón, in his second feature film, continues to explore the body as a narrative device, much like he did in his debut film, Slimane. In La Lucha, the physicality of the characters serves as a powerful canvas for their emotions, representing both collective identity and intimate fragility.
Collaborations that Elevate the Film
Alayón’s collaboration with acclaimed cinematographer Mauro Herce, a Goya award winner for Lo que arde, has played a pivotal role in the film’s visual storytelling. Shot intentionally on 16mm film, the visuals aim to capture the light and rugged beauty of Fuerteventura’s landscape, immersing viewers in its environment.
Themes of Family and Identity
After years of creative production and directing photography with El Viaje Films, Alayón returns to direction to delve into themes that resonate with him: the exploration of familial bonds and the collective identity of a community. He emphasizes that the film encourages reflection on how we cope with loss, pass down strength through generations, and support one another in difficult times—a dual narrative about a community that finds solace and identity in an ancestral rite, alongside a family’s personal struggle with absence.
The Evolution of Wrestlers into Actors
In crafting La Lucha, Alayón faced a significant decision: to train actors in wrestling or allow wrestlers to take on acting roles. He chose the latter route, aligning with his cinematic philosophy and desire for authenticity. This decision led to a rigorous casting process that involved searching for real wrestlers who could truly embody their characters. Through this selection, notable figures such as Tomasín Padrón and Inés Cano emerged—each bringing their own rich histories to the film.
Honoring the Legacy of Wrestling
Tomasín Padrón, a herreño residing in Fuerteventura, has recently renewed his contract with the Rosario Wrestling Club, while Inés Cano retired last July after an impressive 30-year career. Together, they exemplify the legacy of canarian wrestling—the persistence and dedication intrinsic to the sport. The film also introduces the next generation, represented by Sara Cano, who plays Yumara. Following in her mother Inés’s footsteps, she competes at the C. L. Santa Rita in Gran Canaria.
A Talented Ensemble
La Lucha boasts an array of known faces from the wrestling community, including notable athletes like Mamadou Cámara, Pedro Hernández, and a host of young female wrestlers striving to make their mark. The film also features respected personalities within the canarian wrestling sphere, embodying a collective spirit that enriches the narrative.
Production Team Behind the Scenes
The production team includes Marina Alberti taking on the roles of executive producer and co-writer, alongside Samuel M. Delgado. Alayón is joined by José M. Viña, Jamie Weiss, and Jairo López in production roles, with music from Camilo Sanabria and Adriana Galán. The artistic vision is further brought to life through Silvia Navarro’s direction of art, Atri Galván’s costume design, and Emma Tusell’s editing among others.
La Lucha is an international co-production led by El Viaje Films, supported by various cultural grants, including MEDIA (part of Creative Europe), ICAA (Ministry of Culture), and the Government of the Canary Islands. With contributions from local municipalities and wrestling federations, the project underlines the rich cultural heritage of canarian wrestling.
