The Laredo Center for the Arts, Daphne Art Foundation, and the Laredo Film Society invite the community to a special fundraiser in support of Traviesa: The Documentary, a film that chronicles Jennifer Lozano’s inspiring journey to the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.
Boxing since she was 9, Lozano is the first Olympian from Laredo. Her late grandmother gave her the sobriquet “Traviesa,”a name she carries with pride.
The June 20 fundraiser at the Laredo Center for the Arts begins at 7:00 p.m. The filmmakers will present a sizzle reel of the project, behind-the-scenes highlights of the production, and a panel discussion on the emerging film movement in the region.
The documentary, directed by local filmmakers Nicolas Lewis and Karen Gaytán, showcases Lozano’s determination, resilience, and passion as she trains for the upcoming Olympics. The have been filming with Lozano since November 2023, shortly after her qualification at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
“We are thrilled to share Jenny’s story with Laredoans,” said Nicolas Lewis, co-director of the documentary. “This fundraiser is a crucial step in bringing her journey to life on screen, and we are excited to involve the community in the process.”
The team has worked independently to bring an inspiring portrait of the region to the big screen. “The funds raised at this event will be instrumental in hiring local crew members, sending or hiring a crew to film in Paris, and ensuring an intimate and comprehensive portrayal of Jenny’s journey,” said Amanda Sarabia, a Laredo native and producer of the film.
“This is a story about the heroes that come from our region,” said Karen Gaytán, co-director of the project. “We are committed to highlighting the multifaceted reality that exists in our city through the eyes of a protagonist who stands up to bullies and fights for her dreams.”
Jennifer Lozano, affectionately known as “Traviesa,” has become a symbol of perseverance and excellence. She is one of eight boxers nationwide who will represent Team USA in Paris this summer.
Lewis, Gaytán, and Sarabia have worked in Laredo and New York for over ten years, growing the local film industry and gaining film production experience. Collectively, they have produced projects for Univision, Telemundo, Hulu, Disney Plus, and Apple TV and have produced award-winning films that have played at festivals around the country.
Tickets for the fundraiser are available online at https://bit.ly/TraviesaSneakPeek. For those unable to attend but wishing to support the project, donations can be made through the documentary’s official website, traviesadocumentary.com.
For more information, please visit traviesadocumentary.com or contact Sarabia at (512) 769 2193 or amanda.sarabia@gmail.com.
