HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL 2025 REVIEW! Boyfighter, written and directed by Julia Weisberg, follows bare-knuckled fighter Diego (Michael Mando) and his son, Paquito (Chase Robin). The boy wants nothing more than to follow in his father’s footsteps and fight, but the man does not want that future for his child. This causes friction that lasts into Paquito growing up. Diego is now trying to reconcile what his actions taught his offspring as he prepares to face the unthinkable.
“The boy wants nothing more than to follow in his father’s footsteps and fight…”
The editing throughout the 17 minutes and 8 seconds runtime is exquisite. Will Mayo maintains an urgency even when there are no fights happening. Matheus Bastos captures the war within Diego via his cinematography, creating a very visually intense and beautiful spectacle. Mando is perfectly cast as the caring father who, despite his best intentions, still sets a bad example for his son.
Boyfighter tells a heartbreaking story about parents trying to do right and failing. Visually, this is a masterpiece, utilizing lighting and camera angles to capture the emotional journey unfolding. Mando and Robin are excellent together, cementing the ever-crucial father-son bond.
Boyfighter screened at the 2025 Hollyshorts Film Festival.
"…excellent..."
