Past Film/Video | Visiting Filmmakers | Documentaries

Cassandro, the Exotico!

(Marie Losier, 2018)

Marie Losier in person

Cassandro, the Exotico, in the ring

Known within the Mexican wrestling community as the “Liberace of Lucha Libre,” Cassandro is an openly gay wrestler in the exótico subgenre (where the performers dress in drag and the matches are as filled with camp as they are pile drivers). He’s the first exótico to win a world championship belt and, now in his 40s, is feeling the toll of his long and bone-breaking career.

Affectionate, humorous, moving, and stylishly filmed in 16mm, Cassandro, the Exotico! captures the wrestler’s colorful and resilient life and career in this rule-breaking documentary full of pompadours, luchadores, and countless subversions of a traditionally macho sport.

Losier, who introduces the screenings, is a frequent visitor to the Wex and its Film/Video Studio—most recently for her Artist Residency Award–supported project The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye (2011). (73 mins., DCP)

Join us in the center’s lower lobby before the Friday night screening for a Wex Hour reception with the filmmaker including complimentary snacks and a cash bar.

"Marie Losier is the most effervescent and psychologically accurate portrait artist working in film today. Her films wriggle with the energy and sweetness of a broken barrel full o’ sugar worms!!!!"
GUY MADDIN
Cassandro, the Exotico, in the ring

Cassandro, the Exotico!, image courtesy of Film Movement

Cassandro, the Exotico!

Cassandro, the Exotico!, image courtesy of Film Movement

Cassandro, the Exotico, in the desert

Cassandro, the Exotico!, image courtesy of Film Movement

Cassandro, the Exotico, filming roadside

Cassandro, the Exotico!, image courtesy of Film Movement

Cassandro, the Exotico!

Cassandro, the Exotico!, image courtesy of Film Movement

SEASON SUPPORT FOR FILM/VIDEO
Rohauer Collection Foundation

SUPPORT FOR THE FILM/VIDEO STUDIO PROGRAM
Institute of Museum and Library Services

SUPPORT FOR ARTS ACCESS AT THE WEXNER CENTER
Cardinal Health Foundation
Huntington Bank

GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FOR THE WEXNER CENTER
Greater Columbus Arts Council
Ohio Arts Council
The Columbus Foundation
Nationwide Foundation

Close

Past Film/Video

Cassandro, the Exotico!