Jon Stojan
Pictured: Carlos López Estrada, with Dana White, and Valerie Bush
Photo credit: Chris Unger
In a groundbreaking fusion of combat sports and cinematic storytelling, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Carlos López Estrada is set to premiere his latest project, For Mexico, For All Time, during UFC’s highly anticipated Riyadh Season Noche event. This unique collaboration between UFC and López Estrada’s Antigravity Academy represents a bold step in UFC’s evolution as it expands its cultural influence beyond the octagon. Produced by Valerie Bush, a key producer for Antigravity Academy, alongside Emmy-Award-winning Nexus Studios, the film unfolds in six chapters, each spotlighting a different period of Mexican history. Under Bush’s leadership, the project has been carefully crafted to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture, ensuring the film’s premiere at Sphere Las Vegas becomes a memorable cultural event.
Reflecting on the mission of his Academy, López Estrada shared, “The film industry is often a closed-off space that rarely takes risks on new voices or perspectives, especially those without experience.” This realization drove him to establish Antigravity Academy, where he has worked tirelessly to nurture emerging filmmakers.
Valerie Bush, who has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Carlos and I first connected while producing the film *Dìdi,* and we quickly realized the synergy in our creative vision. When the opportunity to collaborate with UFC came along, we knew it was something we had to be a part of. UFC has given us an incredible platform to infuse their event with creativity and originality through our film. I believe UFC audiences will be pleasantly surprised by the level of filmmaking they’ll experience that night—and I’m confident they’re going to love it.”
Bush further elaborated on her deep connection to Antigravity Academy, saying, “I’ve never believed in a company as wholeheartedly as I do with Antigravity Academy. There’s an indescribable magic and energy around us and our community right now. As our producing partner on *Dìdi,* Josh Peters, often says—our goal is to always chase the love, and you can feel the love within that community we’re building for Antigravity Academy. I’m honored to be growing this company from the ground up with Carlos. He’s incredibly collaborative, compassionate, and truly dedicated to shaping this company into something we can all be proud of. This is just the beginning, and I’m so excited for what we have coming up next.”
On September 14, 2024, UFC fans at Sphere Las Vegas will not only witness two world championship bouts but will also be treated to a one-night-only screening of López Estrada’s six-chapter cinematic tribute to Mexican heritage. Featuring narration by Gael García Bernal (known for Y tu Mamá También and The Motorcycle Diaries) and an original score by Oscar-nominated composer Germaine Franco (Coco, Encanto), the film promises to deliver a visually immersive experience. “We’ve created a range of programs, including free film education, monthly online panels with top Hollywood names, and community-building events,” he added, highlighting the collaborative and inclusive environment fostered at Antigravity Academy. The Sphere’s next-generation technology, featuring the world’s highest resolution LED screen and immersive audio, will undoubtedly elevate this visual and auditory journey through Mexican history.
Pictured: Carlos López Estrada, with Dana White, and Valerie Bush
Photo credit: Chris Unger
The film’s six chapters—each a self-contained visual narrative—take audiences on a chronological journey through Mexican history. López Estrada mentioned that one of the Academy’s goals is to “make filmmaking more accessible and affordable by developing innovative, community-driven initiatives.” This vision is mirrored in the project’s structure, with each chapter crafted by different directors, allowing diverse voices to shine. The final chapter, helmed by Paul Trillo, explores Mexico’s modern-day identity and its outlook for the future, an approach that reinforces López Estrada’s commitment to telling stories that resonate with contemporary audiences.
This ambitious project is co-produced by Nexus Studios, known for their innovative approach to film and experience design. For López Estrada, this collaboration is an exciting continuation of his mission to support underrepresented filmmakers. “Last year, we launched our flagship program for first-time filmmakers, receiving over 800 applications and selecting six outstanding projects,” he explained, further illustrating the Academy’s dedication to empowering new talent. Nexus brings its expertise in visual storytelling to For Mexico, For All Time, ensuring each chapter is as emotionally resonant as it is visually striking.
For UFC, this event marks a significant milestone. Riyadh Season Noche is the first live sporting event to be held at Sphere, and the film’s premiere at such a venue underscores UFC’s evolution into a global entertainment leader. López Estrada sees this collaboration as a convergence of different art forms: “We aim to make filmmaking more accessible and affordable by developing innovative, community-driven initiatives.” Through this groundbreaking partnership, UFC is expanding beyond traditional boundaries, merging athleticism with cinematic storytelling.
The premiere of For Mexico, For All Time isn’t just a nod to Mexican culture—it’s a testament to UFC’s commitment to cultural engagement and López Estrada’s vision of storytelling as a powerful, boundary-crossing medium. As the director reflects on his work with Antigravity Academy, he notes, “One upcoming project is a short film fund where the community can invest in new films and, in return, gain a hands-on educational experience during the production process.” This initiative, like the UFC collaboration, highlights the future of creative storytelling and the ever-expanding platforms for diverse voices.
When the lights dim on September 14 at Sphere Las Vegas and the film begins, the audience will be reminded of the limitless possibilities of storytelling, especially when guided by visionaries like Carlos López Estrada and Valerie Bush.