YAN TEXEIRA

Director's Comments 

This documentary follows the life of Yan Texeira, an MMA fighter who lives and trains at one of Rio de Janeiro's most famous favelas, Rocinha. It explores the hardships that he himself, and other residents of these favelas, undergo during their everyday lives which often prevents them from reaching their full-pontential.

Financial struggles form a predominant part of their struggles, as athletes are unable to pay for recovery, treatment, nutrition, whilst at the same time are required to sustain their families.

Thus, the fundamental purpose of this documentary was toshine a light of Yan's lifestyle, and to reveal such difficulties to a wider audience.

I'm extremely grateful to have had the privelege to gain access to Yan's everyday life, and have been inspired by his unprecedented disciple and motivation to succeed, no matter the obstacles.