In 1979, this 6-year-old kid was playing in the street outside his Southeast L.A. home when he got hit by a car. He was thrown to the curb, hence the swollen eye. But he survived, hence the smile.

 

Ten years later that kid, David Barajas, dropped out of 9th grade. He sold drugs, fixed cars, and helped an older kid across the street train as a boxer. By train, I mean that 19-year-old jock would punch little David over and over, and our stone-faced punk here would just stand there and grade the intensity of each blow from one to ten.

It worked. That boxer, Ruben Palomares, qualified for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona but tragically injured his thumb and had to sit out his shot at stardom. He took odd jobs, trained boxers and eventually became a narcotics officer. Needing an informant, Ruben called upon David's expert support once more. As loyal drug dealer and dirty cop, the two boys made a killing. But no such joy ride could last.

Out of prison now, Ruben Palomares is an elite self-defense trainer, speaker and rehab counselor. As part of his redemption, he gives testament to his best friend, David Barajas, who's unbreakable resilience has inspired our feature screenplay for your consideration...

 

PUNCHING BAG