Stream the curated UCLAxFilmFest 2025 Official Selections here!
Synopsis
Jason, a stubborn ex-special forces operative arrives in the crumbling Suba District, determined to find his missing sister, Dayana. His search leads him to a rundown bar called Oasis, where he reunites with his estranged brother, John. John reveals that Dayana is trapped under the control of a ruthless gangster who rules the district. The only way to confront the ruthless gangster and save his sister is through the brutal gauntlet of a high-stakes street fighting tournament.
Director's Statement
Fighter was born during a transformative period in my life. I had been living in Colombia for about six months when the story began to take shape. At that time, the country was grappling with significant immigration issues, a situation I had only associated with the United States. This parallel hit close to home, as my own family migrated to the U.S. years ago. It made me reflect on themes of displacement, loyalty, and the sacrifices families make for one another.
I imagined Jason, a man who returns to his homeland after a prolonged absence, having fought in a massive war. But this isn't a triumphant homecoming—it's driven by urgency and love. His family is in grave danger, and his return is both a reckoning with his past and a fight for his future. Setting the story in a futuristic Bogotá allowed me to explore these themes through a speculative lens. I envisioned a post-apocalyptic world shaped by an imaginary war between China and the United States. Industrial locations became the backdrop, with a gritty mise-en-scène that conveyed the tension and decay of a world in turmoil.
Symbolism played a vital role in shaping this world. The secondary characters all wore masks, reflecting a society controlled by strict rules and anonymity. This decision underscores the oppressive environment Jason must navigate to save his family. At the heart of the film, however, is the relationship between Jason and his sister. Their bond drives the emotional core of the story. It is imperative to me that their familial connection feels authentic and deeply rooted in love. This is not just a tale of survival—it is a family love story set against the backdrop of chaos and conflict. Through Fighter, I am aiming to blend an intimate narrative with a broader exploration of societal challenges, creating a world that feels both otherworldly and achingly real.
Crew
David Higinio - Writer/Director/Producer
David Higinio is a Colombian-American film director, producer, and writer, as well as the founder of Origins Films. With over 15 short films under his belt, his work has garnered accolades at international film festivals, reflecting his talent for crafting narratives that delve into personal and societal conflicts while drawing inspiration from his rich Latin heritage. David is a graduate of NYU’s Film Production program, the UCLA Extension Directors Program, and EICTV’s prestigious film production program in Cuba. He has also honed his craft through the Directors Workshop and at the Congo Film School, further enriching his creative vision with diverse perspectives and approaches to storytelling. Known for his ability to connect with actors and his meticulous attention to visual detail, David creates films that are both emotionally resonant and visually captivating. Rooted in values of passion, respect, integrity, and collaboration, David believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire change. Through his leadership and dedication, he continues to produce stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Gilberto Sends - Cinematographer
With 25 years of experience in the audiovisual industry, Gilberto Sends is a Director of Photography with a solid career in television, cinema, and dramaturgy. Throughout his journey, he has worked for renowned networks such as CNN, Cultura, Gazeta, Record, MTV, and TV Globo, excelling in talk shows, soap operas, and journalism while consistently delivering technical and artistic excellence. Additionally, he has contributed to advertising and film productions, collaborating with national and international production companies.
Graduated in Photography from SENAC, Gilberto also specialized in Cinematography in Colombia and Mexico. His diverse education, combined with extensive experience, makes him a reference in the field, capable of blending artistic sensitivity with technical expertise across projects of various genres and formats.
Sebastian Celis - Composer
A composer with a decade as a multi-instrumentalist and over six years of experience in film scoring, his work reflects a deep passion for music and visual storytelling. Trained in Composition for Film and Media, he has collaborated on diverse projects, crafting scores that evoke profound emotions while seamlessly blending with the cinematic experience.
Beyond composition, his background includes live performances and in-studio productions, where he developed a meticulous ear for detail. His artistic sensibilities are informed by an ongoing exploration of how music transforms the audience's connection to visual narratives.
Fausto Diaz - Editor & VFX Artist
Fausto Diaz is a visual artist specializing in the creation of audiovisual content, with expertise in motion graphics animation, VFX, and CGI. He has contributed to projects across various sectors,
including entertainment, art, social initiatives, and commercial advertising. His experience encompasses post-production for commercials and films, where he merges creativity with technical precision.
As a cinematographer with a strong foundation in VFX, CGI, and digital compositing, Fausto brings a unique perspective to his craft, blending artistic vision with technical expertise. He excels under pressure and is adept at problem-solving, ensuring efficiency in challenging situations.
Driven by a passion for cinema and art, Fausto is committed to innovation and strives to deliver standout creations in collaboration with his team. His goal is to produce work that leaves a lasting impression on audiences.
Andrés Felipe Sereno Ruiz - Sound Designer
Andrés Felipe Sereno Ruiz, a musician with an emphasis in Audio Production from the Universidad de los Andes. Founder and director of MAM Creative Agency, a production company and agency dedicated to providing creative sound solutions for Film, TV, and Advertising. He has worked as a Sound Designer for Film, a Mastering Engineer, and a Mixing Engineer in Dolby Atmos. He is also a professor of Composition and Sound Design at Explayarte Mexico. In parallel, he has worked as a Local Tour Manager for various artists such as Tame Impala, Lil Nas X, Halloween, Rufus Du Sol, Gojira, and C+C Music Factory. Winner of the 2020 Acupuntura Musical recognition for his contributions to the country's music ecosystem.
Brigitte Álvarez - Assistant Director & Consultant
Brigitte Álvarez (Bri), a graduate in film and television, has made her mark in the film industry through short and feature-length fiction films, documentaries, and branded content. Passionate about sci-fi and thrillers, Bri adds a Colombian touch to her creations, with a special focus on cinematography.
Her most notable works include Frecuencia 4-32 (selected for the Short Film Corner at
Cannes), the documentary "Persona Normal," which has been showcased at more than 30
international festivals, and "Frenesí" (winner of the 2023 MINCULTURA National Stimulus
Program). Additionally, she has infused her creativity as a director and editor for brands such as
Samsung, Bavaria, Toyota, and Adidas.
- Runtime10:14
Stream the curated UCLAxFilmFest 2025 Official Selections here!
Synopsis
Jason, a stubborn ex-special forces operative arrives in the crumbling Suba District, determined to find his missing sister, Dayana. His search leads him to a rundown bar called Oasis, where he reunites with his estranged brother, John. John reveals that Dayana is trapped under the control of a ruthless gangster who rules the district. The only way to confront the ruthless gangster and save his sister is through the brutal gauntlet of a high-stakes street fighting tournament.
Director's Statement
Fighter was born during a transformative period in my life. I had been living in Colombia for about six months when the story began to take shape. At that time, the country was grappling with significant immigration issues, a situation I had only associated with the United States. This parallel hit close to home, as my own family migrated to the U.S. years ago. It made me reflect on themes of displacement, loyalty, and the sacrifices families make for one another.
I imagined Jason, a man who returns to his homeland after a prolonged absence, having fought in a massive war. But this isn't a triumphant homecoming—it's driven by urgency and love. His family is in grave danger, and his return is both a reckoning with his past and a fight for his future. Setting the story in a futuristic Bogotá allowed me to explore these themes through a speculative lens. I envisioned a post-apocalyptic world shaped by an imaginary war between China and the United States. Industrial locations became the backdrop, with a gritty mise-en-scène that conveyed the tension and decay of a world in turmoil.
Symbolism played a vital role in shaping this world. The secondary characters all wore masks, reflecting a society controlled by strict rules and anonymity. This decision underscores the oppressive environment Jason must navigate to save his family. At the heart of the film, however, is the relationship between Jason and his sister. Their bond drives the emotional core of the story. It is imperative to me that their familial connection feels authentic and deeply rooted in love. This is not just a tale of survival—it is a family love story set against the backdrop of chaos and conflict. Through Fighter, I am aiming to blend an intimate narrative with a broader exploration of societal challenges, creating a world that feels both otherworldly and achingly real.
Crew
David Higinio - Writer/Director/Producer
David Higinio is a Colombian-American film director, producer, and writer, as well as the founder of Origins Films. With over 15 short films under his belt, his work has garnered accolades at international film festivals, reflecting his talent for crafting narratives that delve into personal and societal conflicts while drawing inspiration from his rich Latin heritage. David is a graduate of NYU’s Film Production program, the UCLA Extension Directors Program, and EICTV’s prestigious film production program in Cuba. He has also honed his craft through the Directors Workshop and at the Congo Film School, further enriching his creative vision with diverse perspectives and approaches to storytelling. Known for his ability to connect with actors and his meticulous attention to visual detail, David creates films that are both emotionally resonant and visually captivating. Rooted in values of passion, respect, integrity, and collaboration, David believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire change. Through his leadership and dedication, he continues to produce stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Gilberto Sends - Cinematographer
With 25 years of experience in the audiovisual industry, Gilberto Sends is a Director of Photography with a solid career in television, cinema, and dramaturgy. Throughout his journey, he has worked for renowned networks such as CNN, Cultura, Gazeta, Record, MTV, and TV Globo, excelling in talk shows, soap operas, and journalism while consistently delivering technical and artistic excellence. Additionally, he has contributed to advertising and film productions, collaborating with national and international production companies.
Graduated in Photography from SENAC, Gilberto also specialized in Cinematography in Colombia and Mexico. His diverse education, combined with extensive experience, makes him a reference in the field, capable of blending artistic sensitivity with technical expertise across projects of various genres and formats.
Sebastian Celis - Composer
A composer with a decade as a multi-instrumentalist and over six years of experience in film scoring, his work reflects a deep passion for music and visual storytelling. Trained in Composition for Film and Media, he has collaborated on diverse projects, crafting scores that evoke profound emotions while seamlessly blending with the cinematic experience.
Beyond composition, his background includes live performances and in-studio productions, where he developed a meticulous ear for detail. His artistic sensibilities are informed by an ongoing exploration of how music transforms the audience's connection to visual narratives.
Fausto Diaz - Editor & VFX Artist
Fausto Diaz is a visual artist specializing in the creation of audiovisual content, with expertise in motion graphics animation, VFX, and CGI. He has contributed to projects across various sectors,
including entertainment, art, social initiatives, and commercial advertising. His experience encompasses post-production for commercials and films, where he merges creativity with technical precision.
As a cinematographer with a strong foundation in VFX, CGI, and digital compositing, Fausto brings a unique perspective to his craft, blending artistic vision with technical expertise. He excels under pressure and is adept at problem-solving, ensuring efficiency in challenging situations.
Driven by a passion for cinema and art, Fausto is committed to innovation and strives to deliver standout creations in collaboration with his team. His goal is to produce work that leaves a lasting impression on audiences.
Andrés Felipe Sereno Ruiz - Sound Designer
Andrés Felipe Sereno Ruiz, a musician with an emphasis in Audio Production from the Universidad de los Andes. Founder and director of MAM Creative Agency, a production company and agency dedicated to providing creative sound solutions for Film, TV, and Advertising. He has worked as a Sound Designer for Film, a Mastering Engineer, and a Mixing Engineer in Dolby Atmos. He is also a professor of Composition and Sound Design at Explayarte Mexico. In parallel, he has worked as a Local Tour Manager for various artists such as Tame Impala, Lil Nas X, Halloween, Rufus Du Sol, Gojira, and C+C Music Factory. Winner of the 2020 Acupuntura Musical recognition for his contributions to the country's music ecosystem.
Brigitte Álvarez - Assistant Director & Consultant
Brigitte Álvarez (Bri), a graduate in film and television, has made her mark in the film industry through short and feature-length fiction films, documentaries, and branded content. Passionate about sci-fi and thrillers, Bri adds a Colombian touch to her creations, with a special focus on cinematography.
Her most notable works include Frecuencia 4-32 (selected for the Short Film Corner at
Cannes), the documentary "Persona Normal," which has been showcased at more than 30
international festivals, and "Frenesí" (winner of the 2023 MINCULTURA National Stimulus
Program). Additionally, she has infused her creativity as a director and editor for brands such as
Samsung, Bavaria, Toyota, and Adidas.
- Runtime10:14
