El Viejo

It was very inspirational and motivating.

This documentary film captures the warrior spirit at heart. In a time when strong masculine role models seem to be waning in the mainstream, El Viejo shows how one Phoenix man cuts through the noise by turning his knowledge as an all American wrestler to use within his community while preparing for his pro-MMA debut. Thom proves that family, work, service, and dreams can coexist.

I saw this documentary while it made its way on the festival circuit and was impressed by the subject matter and the directors vision for capturing his subject. Director Matt Hickney has a keen sense of his place as documentarian, allows his camera to blend into the background, and lets the story unfold. El Viejo is a story of perseverance, focus, faith and resilience. Sports documentaries can cover a wide spectrum of topics, but they almost universally showcase a depth of heart in people that comes from their commitment to sport and their belief in achievement. This film is no exception. This is an pretty inspiring story about never losing faith in yourself and working to achieve your dreams. Give it a watch.

I watched this having very little exposure or preconceptions about MMA, and found it engaging and visually beautiful with a universal appeal. As someone who has at times let dreams fall by the wayside, I was truly inspired by Thom Ortizs dedication to uplifting the lives of others as he strives to accomplish his goals. His story is a joy to watch unfold within the stunning backdrops of saturated Southern California sunshine and the fluorescent-lit cages of professional fighting. If youve ever struggled with the idea of missing the window of opportunity to take risks in pursuing your life passions and succeed, this film will punch those doubts in the face in an effort to show you that its never too late.

Inspiring

I am biased because I have known Thom Ortiz for 10 years, but El Viejo blew me away. Beautiful story about the power of Love and Positive Intentions. I walked away with so many Ah Ha moments; importance of going after your dreams everyday for the rest of your life, what an Advisory Board of Supporters can do to help reach goals, focusing on Spiritual/Mental/Physical to make yourself a better person and so many other life changing ideas come from this movie. One last comment....the movie is incredibly entertaining. I was riveted for an hour and thankful what my chance to watch El Viejo!

Movie was very authentic about one man’s challenges and perseverance against an aging body. Very inspirational and well directed and produced .

Thom is a fascinating, inspiring character. Loved his story. Loved the music as well.

I was really impressed overall by this movie. A documentary’s job is to view something under a microscope and find a narrative where there isn’t always one. This movie created characters and real themes. I would recommend to anyone who likes docs!!!

This film was an absolute joy to watch, and really got me thinking about my life and my goals, and how its never too late!”. Kudos to Thom Ortiz for following his dream, and to the creative team behind this film for executing a beautiful work of cinema. It is one of those unsung hidden gem’s in the genre of human interest sports documentaries, and I encourage EVERYONE to give it a watch