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Viviana García Besné Launched "Luchadores vs Everything" at the 24th FICM

Alan Rodríguez

As part of the 24th edition of the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM), the book Luchadores vs Everything was presented, with the author, Viviana García Besné, and programmer Camilla Baier in attendance.

The book, illustrated by Jeffrey Everett, features contributions from more than 40 people, including wrestlers, writers, and directors.

The mission of this publication is not only to talk about all popular cinema possible, but also to change the institutional view towards these productions.

Viviana is the granddaughter of Jorge García Besné, producer of films such as The Revenge of the Vampire Women (1970) and Santo vs. the Vice Mafia (1971). The writer and activist explained that the most significant aspect of the book is that, for the first time, some of the stories behind this genre of cinema are being told.

“I want to share these stories so that the archive reaches more people and becomes part of someone else’s memory. This book brought together a group of people I admire greatly, and to whom I am deeply grateful,” the author remarked.

During the discussion, the conversation touched upon the unique appeal of these films, which offer a distinct way of experiencing cinema. Both Besné and Baier emphasized that these productions allow for multiple interpretations and provide various ways to connect with audiences.

Films like Batwoman (1968) were mentioned for their historical importance: “In this film, you can see the Olympic posters in the gymnasium when the original female wrestlers, who were banned from wrestling, are there. Films like this are a unique document to see these women who were not allowed to wrestle in Mexican arenas,” Besné added.

At the end of the presentation, the audience took the opportunity to talk with the author and lamented the existence of certain prejudices that still prevail towards this type of cinema. Similarly, they agreed on the need to establish independent spaces that allow the creation of communities to preserve the cinematic legacy of these films.