10 · 18 · 26

“We’re enjoying being world champions in cinema”: PARA LOS CONTRINCANTES Screened at the 24th Edition of FICM

Alan Rodríguez

Para los contrincantes, a short film directed by Federico Luis and winner of the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, was screened as part of the activities on the second day of the 24th Morelia International Film Festival (FICM) in a double feature that also included the Palme d’Or winner, Fjord, by Cristian Mungiu.

Before a packed house at the Teatro Mariano Matamoros, Argentine filmmaker Federico Luis and actors Damián López and Wil Pérez presented their short film, which blurs the lines between fiction and documentary as it tells the story of a young man from the tough Tepito neighborhood who is chasing the great Mexican dream: to become a boxing champion.

“I’m really surprised, really excited, and nervous. I didn’t expect to see so many people gathered here to watch the short film. I’m proud to be here with the team and with all of you,” Damián López said before the screening began.

The 13-year-old actor has been boxing since he was five and shared that part of his love for the sport stems from the sense of brotherhood: “You step into the ring to fight, and by the time you’re done, you’re friends with the kid you just sparred with.”

Meanwhile, Wil Pérez spoke about the connection between boxing and Tepito, and pointed out that boxing is part of our identity: “The fact that the film was shot entirely in Tepito fills us with great pride […]; through sports, people facing social challenges can turn their lives around.

Thanks to the growth we’ve experienced in Tepito despite the challenges, today we’re celebrating being world champions, but in cinema.” Before wrapping up the Q&A session, the film’s crew thanked the festival audience for their warm reception, which the audience acknowledged with applause and cheers.