Interview With Filmmaker Chuy Santillan
I had the chance to watch an early draft of the new boxing documentary (“Building Champions, Los Garcia”) about one of the fight game’s reigning dynasties–the Garcia family.
With Oxnard, California patriarch Eduardo Garcia, sons Danny, Robert and Miguel Angel (Mikey) Garcia have all stepped into the ring and continue to be a relevant part of the sweet science. All three sons became professional fighters with Robert and Mikey becoming champions.
Their journey from humble beginnings to the top echelon of the sport is explored in “Building Champions, Los Garcia” by writer/director/producer Jesus “Chuy” Santillan. Here is my special review of the movie along with an interview with the filmmaker.
In the film, we see former champ and current trainer Robert Garcia recalling his early fights at the tender age of 5. Boxing was the family business and he and his brothers were fully immersed in the gym life as children. Robert fought 37 times as a pro, winning an IBF Super Featherweight title and NABF belts along the way. He now trains Nonito Donaire, Marcos Maidana, Brandon Rios and many more at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy. Robert has won several Trainer of the Year titles and has become one of the premier trainers in boxing.
The boxing documentary (narrated by ring announcer Lupe Contreras) takes the viewer in and out of the ring as the generations of Garcias talk about their careers, the sacrifices made and of the legacy built by dad Eduardo, who in the early days worked in strawberry fields in Ventura County. Boxing was a way out for many kids and teens, and a way to keep the youth away from gangs, drugs and crime.
The father and sons team began boxing at La Colonia, where Eduardo Garcia trained Fernando Vargas. There is vintage film footage and old photos from back in the day with many familiar faces (Bobby Chacon, Genaro Hernandez, etc.) seen in the documentary. Their story is one of inspiration, that dreams can come true no matter how meager your beginnings in life happen to be.
From living in a trailer park to working in the fields, the Garcia family has been through a tremendous rise in and out of boxing. Hard work, discipline, perseverance and a passion for boxing has proven to be a successful formula for la familia and its Mexican warriors. What made this boxing family find success through boxing?
Trainer Robert Garcia feeds on the idea of a united team who works hard, trains hard but has fun doing it. “My fighters train hard but we also have fun,” Robert states in the film. “We’re united; we’re a team. And we do things together.”
And staying together has brought new titles to Eduardo, Robert and Mikey. Danny Garcia (who trained Victor Ortiz) has had his own feud with brother Robert that has been documented in the press, but that subject matter is not included in this film with footage shot prior to those issues.
But in 2014, things are going well for Los Garcias with the youngest son, 26-year-old Mikey facing Juan Carlos Burgos later this month at Madison Square Garden in New York. Eduardo and Mikey currently train at II Feathers Boxing Gym in Riverside. On January 25, the unbeaten WBO Super Featherweight titleholder (33-0, 28 KOs) looks to keep his winning streak intact as he defends his belt. And in his corner will be none other than Eduardo and Robert.
And cheering on the family will be Chuy Santillan, a local who went to Oxnard High School and still resides in Southern California.
I caught up with the multi-tasking writer, director and producer of 805 Filmworks as he looks ahead to a banner year for “Building Champions, Los Garcia.” He has partnered with Mikey Garcia (co-producer) to see this film come to fruition. Here what Santillan says about screenings with the champs, the intensity of making the film and what the new year holds for the director.
Michele Chong: How did you first meet the Garcias?
Chuy Santillan: I have known Robert Garcia since his championship days in the mid to late ’90s. I shortly made the transition from Oxnard College to Califonia State University, Long Beach in ’98. I had first come across Robert when he first won his championship belt. I was running a local student show called Condorvision thru Oxnard College Television.
MC: You have held film screenings in Orange County (in September) and Oxnard (in December). What was the crowd’s reaction?
CS: In Garden Grove, I was a bit nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I did what I could to promote for the screening of “Building Champions, Los Garcia.” The event was a good turnout. I personally created a banner that included everyone whom helped with the making of and the assistance of the event. It was my way of showing appreciation as a filmmaker. At the end of the screening, we received applause. Robert and Mikey Garcia continued with a Question-and-Answer. I believe the fans got more than expected, despite being a free event. I was humbled. I was at ease once the pictures and handshakes were exchanged. The smiles from the fans allowed me to acknowledge the potential of the film and a meet and greet.
Oxnard was to be our homecoming. Yet, it was bad timing. However, we had some friends and important figures whom absolutely loved “Building Champions, Los Garcia” and were proud to make the trip from Long Beach, California. The few locals were absolutely happy to meet Mikey Garcia and they complimented his overall character and professionalism, especially at a young age.
MC: Your documentary is about a half hour long, so are you thinking of trying to distribute it as a DVD or selling it to a cable network like ESPN? Or would you make it longer for a theatre release?
CS: My intentions with “Building Champions, Los Garcia” is to distribute. We already received interest from the fans and certain organizations because it’s so positive and promising. I’m uncertain at the moment because we are still working on it. Miguel Garcia and I continue to update on the status. If ESPN becomes interested in “Building Champions, Los Garcia” as is, Miguel and myself will discuss, because after all we are partners. That goes for any distribution.
MC: What are you short-term goals and long-term goals for your documentary?
As a filmmaker, I see the potential. The fact that it contains historic archives makes it valuable. Short term, its the recognition; long term it’s the appreciation of the storytelling and who is the Garcia family of boxing. I hope for it to affect generations.
MC: What was the most challenging aspect of making your film?
CS: I felt the absolute challenge was scheduling. Also the commitment from the family. As a filmmaker, once you see the story you’re on it like a lion on its prey! Once Robert introduced me to Miguel Garcia, I knew that I could tell the story the family deserved. I was very appreciative to Miguel. Several meetings later I asked him to become my co-producer. His answer was a relief. It was difficult at times because I didn’t want to inconvenience the family. Robert Garcia till this day continues to have an intense schedule. One fighter after another. He deserves the recognition this guy gets. HIs mnemonics, time, vision, knowledge of his fighters along with the experience make building champions a tough job look easy. As a filmmaker, to watch the Garcia family work is not only motivating, but impressive. Therefore, do understand that after the 18 VHS tapes handed to me by my co-producer, on top of the 8 hours of training action, plus interviews and workout; post layouts have gone from 4 PM to 8 AM for two weeks. It’s an intense process.
MC: On a personal note, did you grow up boxing?
CS: No, not really. In Oxnard I grew up watching Julio Cesar Chavez and Mike Tyson. In La Colonia, where I grew up, there were stories about Mr. Eduardo Garcia and his sacrifices but I never looked into it.
MC: And finally, how can boxing fans watch this documentary?
CS: As for the fans, I will continue to have screenings (www.805filmworks.com). I plan on having the documentary ready by April 2014.
MC: Thanks, Chuy, and good luck with everything!
CS: Thanks, Michele!
Photos courtesy of Chuy