"Luchadora" (
@luchadorafilm ) is a CSUN senior thesis short film that follows Itzayana, a young woman from a rural Mexican village who dreams of becoming a professional luchadora, despite facing constant ridicule and rejection because of her weight. As she embarks on a journey of resilience and self-acceptance, Itzayana proves that true strength comes from within. Cinematographer Daniel Antunez shares how ARRI’s ALEXA Mini LF and Signature Primes helped authentically bring their story to life:
“Working with such a versatile camera like the ALEXA Mini LF allowed me, as both DP and Camera Operator, to move freely and quickly to capture the fast-paced nature of Lucha Libre. Its lightweight, compact design was ideal for dynamic camera movement, tracking talent through long takes, and maneuvering within the protagonist’s small village home. The Signature Primes’ wide apertures helped convey the character’s emotions in low-light scenes and offered beautiful focus falloff during focus pulls. This film wouldn’t look the same without ARRI’s incredible camera technology, and I feel privileged to have worked with it.”
Director: Nicole Hernandez (
@enemybucket )
Director of Photography: Daniel Antunez (
@DanielAntunezz )
Gaffer: Jake Helffenstein (
@jdxvmi )
1st AC: Jonavan Castaneda (
@jonavan.castaneda )
2nd AC: Aika Taguchi (
@taguchi_aika ), Jonathan Vega, & Alan Arellano (
@alan.a.mp4 )
BTS📸: Allison Potter (
@_alliepotter_ ), Daisy Owen (
@officialdaisyduck ), & Viridiana Monsserrat Rodriguez (
@vids._.r._ )
#CSUN #studentfilmmakers #filmmaking #capturedwithARRI #ARRI #ALEXAMiniLF #MiniLF #ARRISignaturePrimes #SignaturePrimes