From the Favelas to the Ring
The hidden stories of how martial arts is transforming lives in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas
‘From the Favelas to the Ring’ (TBC) is a documentary currently in pre-production and looking for investors, and delves into the intricate lives of martial artists hailing from Rio de Janeiro’s notorious favelas.
At a young age Yan Teixeira, resident of South America’s largest favela, Rocinha, turned to martial arts as a lifeline, an escape from the violence and challenges of his environment. Now, as he comes back from a recent injury, he reignites the ambition that inspired him to take up the sport in the first place, in hopes of providing his family with a better life. As we follow Yan’s journey, we explore the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro through his eyes, encountering fighters and trainers whose stories reveal the grit and community behind the combat sports world.
Tough living conditions in the favela have given them a shared dream, and martial arts has given them a way to achieve it.
Trailer
Through this proof of concept trailer, our aim is to showcase the exciting and intense visual potential of Yan’s story while also capturing its deeply human core. We want to immerse the audience in a world that is not only rich with emotion, authenticity, and character-driven depth, but also thrilling and full of energy,
Our decision to embark on this documentary goes beyond mere curiosity, our mission is to;
Redefine success
Whilst society tends to only acclaim success to those who win belts or championships, we aim to redefine this definition of success. In our eyes, whether win or lose, they have already come out victorious by using the sport to transform their lives for the better.
Demonstrate martial art’s transformative power
It is driven by a deep desire to shed light on a remarkable phenomenon unfolding admist the challenging circumstances of these marginalized communities.
While most films about Rio focus on either its violence and poverty or its leisure and beauty, we want to showcase the full reality, the city's raw contrasts—its struggles and its spirit, its hardships and its hope. Through Yan’s journey, we’ll reveal a side of Rio that is both unforgiving and inspiring. This film is about more than just fighting; it’s about survival, resilience, and the people who rise above it all.
Show Rio’s true nature
Meet the team
As a filmmaker, I’ve witnessed the relentless journeys of combat sports athletes—the sacrifices, hardships, and dreams they chase in an unforgiving career. My deep admiration for the sport led me to found Fighting Productions, a combat sports video production company, to share these powerful stories.
Documenting Yan’s journey in our short film only strengthened my commitment. Now, I’m determined to take it further—creating a feature-length film that not only gives Yan’s story the platform it deserves but also serves as a love letter to Rio de Janeiro, capturing both the fight world’s grit and the city’s heart and soul.
Through this documentary , we aim to do more than to just create a compelling feature documentary, we want to engage with communities, spark conversations and inspire the next generation of believers, no matter the sport. We’ll do this by holding screenings with charities, working with target audiences, and collaborating with grassroots organizations to ensure the film has a lasting impact beyond the screen.
PEDRO PUCHEU
DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
BUSINESS CONSULTANT
With a background in business, I have spent over five years launching startups and working in strategy consulting.
For nearly two years, MMA has been more than just a sport for me, training has shown me firsthand how deeply MMA can impact lives, both mentally and physically.Now, I’m merging my passion for MMA, storytelling, and business to help bring authentic, impactful narratives to life.
CHRISTOPHER RITSCH
ANDREA SCHULTES
PRODUCER
As Production and Location Manager with over a decade of experience in television, event management, and international productions.
Being born in Brazil, From the Favelas to the Ring deeply resonates with me on both a professional and personal level. The film’s themes of resilience and ambition reflect the spirit of my homeland, and I am eager to contribute my expertise as producer to bring this powerful story to life.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
I’m a certified audio engineer with a diploma from SAE Media University. This project allows me to combine my passion for sports and social topics while also exploring my deep curiosity for different cultures.
From the Favelas to the Ring is not only fascinating on a human level but also a valuable chance for me to gain further experience and learn as much as possible for my future career.
ALEX TRIBUS
CACO BARROS
MUSICAL DIRECTOR/COMPOSER
I’m multifaceted artist who embarked on my musical journey at the age of 16, dedicating myself to the rich tradition of Brazilian Music, working with famous musicians such as Oswaldo Montenegro.
By working on this documentary alongside this team, I am to help enrich I want to enrich this documentary with the beauty and complexity of Brazilian music, blending diverse styles into a unique, tailor-made score.
Timeline
2024 Q3
Development
2025 Q1
Pre-production
2025 Q2-3
Production
2025 Q3
Post-Production
2026 Q1
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