DAZN Group, the global sports entertainment company, today announced its latest feature length documentary La Guerra Civil has been selected for the official 2022 Sundance Film Festival programme. The film marks the first time that DAZN original content will premiere at Sundance and feature on the international film festival circuit.
Directed by Eva Longoria Bastón, Director, Producer, Actress & Activist, and produced by her Emmy-nominated UnbeliEVAble Entertainment (Reversing Roe), La Guerra Civil explores the epic rivalry between iconic boxers Oscar De La Hoya and Julio César Chávez in the 1990s, which sparked a cultural divide between Mexican nationals and Mexican-Americans. The film is a chronicle of a battle that was more than a boxing rivalry, and examinines a fascinating slice of the Latino experience in the process.
Executive produced by DAZN’s Grant Best (BAFTA winning Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad) and produced by Bernardo Ruiz (Kingdom of Shadows), La Guerra Civil will have its world premiere on the opening night of 2022 Sundance Film Festival on January 20th at the Eccles Theater. The film will land on DAZN next year.
“At the center of La Guerra Civil is an iconic moment in Mexican and Mexican-American sport history. Beyond that though, this is a film about cultural identity, fandom and community. Themes that speak to audiences around the world, whether you’re a boxing fan or not. To unveil this story on a global stage like Sundance, is the ultimate recognition for a filmmaker and DAZN is the perfect partner for making this film accessible to sport fans everywhere,” said Eva Longoria Bastón.
DAZN Group’s EVP Global Commissioning and Original Content, Grant Best, said: “The very nature of DAZN Originals brings fans closer to the heart of sport. Telling the deeper, untold stories behind the athletes you know and love. La Guerra Civil transcends the traditional notion of a sports documentary and explores the intricate story of a deep rivalry between Julio César Chávez’s Mexican heritage and Oscar De La Hoya’s Mexican-American identity, with huge cultural significance.”
DAZN Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Ed McCarthy, added: “This is a fantastic accolade for DAZN in gaining recognition from one of the world’s most iconic film festivals. Eva Longoria Bastón is an incredible talent and one of the most sought after directors and producers in Hollywood. We are honoured to be working with her to tell this story of such strong cultural and sporting importance.”
DAZN is the first global sports streaming platform. From live matches to original programming, it partners with the world’s leading sports organisations to deliver premium sports to fans in a more accessible and affordable way. DAZN is now live in 200+ countries and territories around the world.
DAZN Originals bring fans closer to the heart of sport. Previous series include; Ronaldo: El Presidente – a six-part docu-series that goes behind the scenes of the Brazilian football superstar and global icon’s current life as President of Real Valladolid, Canelo: Road to Greatness, which offers sports fans an intimate look at one of the most successful fighters of all time, Parallel Worlds, connecting global sporting icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Gennadiy‘GGG’ Golovkin to discover what they share in common, Neymar Jr. and The Line of Kings,exploring the powerful dynasty of Brazilian football through the eyes of global football superstar Neymar Jr. and One Night: Joshua Ruiz, retelling the story of one of the biggest upsets in modern boxing history, Andy Ruiz Jr. stunning defeat over Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden (co-produced by DAZN and Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions).