FROM RUTHLESS ENFORCERS TO UNLIKELY HEROES,CELEBRATE THE HIGH-OCTANE CAREER OF ANUNSTOPPABLE HOLLYWOOD ICON WITH THE INAUGURAL DANNY TREJO FILM FESTIVAL
Launching on June 25 on SVOD Service IndiePix Unlimited, StepInto the World of Danny Trejo With Ten Handpicked FilmsHighlighting His Extraordinary Range –from Action-Packed Thrillers to Heartfelt Indie Gems
New York, NY (June 25, 2025) — Few actors embody resilience, transformation, and raw charisma quite like Danny Trejo. With a screen presence forged from real-life hardship and an unwavering dedication to authenticity, Trejo has carved out a legendary career spanning gritty crime dramas, explosive action films, heartfelt comedies, and everything in between. Now, the first annual DANNY TREJO FILM FESTIVAL, launching on June 25, brings together a curated lineup that highlights the full range of his talent—from his iconic tough-guy roles to unexpected turns in indie comedies and sci-fi adventures. The eclectic festival lineup includes ten standout films that reflect Trejo’s versatility and the diversity of the stories he chooses to tell. Whether he’s playing a former gang member trying to turn his life around (1st Strike), a quirky life coach in a feel-good comedy (Smile or Hug), or a hardened detective in relentless pursuit of justice (Bullet: Director’s Cut), Trejo brings unmistakable gravitas to each role. Viewers can expect martial arts showdowns (Champions), supernatural tension (Reapers), family drama (A Dark Way Out), and even post-apocalyptic robot battles (I Heart Robots). The DANNY TREJO FILM FESTIVAL, available exclusively on SVOD service IndiePix Unlimited on Amazon Prime Video Channels, isn’t just a celebration of one man’s career — it’s a tribute to survival, redemption, and the power of second chances. Get ready for an unforgettable ride through the life and legacy of one of Hollywood’s most enduring badasses.
1ST STRIKE (2016, 103 mins)A gripping crime drama following Juan, a teenager in a gang‑ruled L.A. barrio. After a joy ride with his uncle Manny turns disastrous, Juan gets framed for a crime he didn’t commit, forcing a battle between loyalty, law, and survival.
A DARK WAY OUT (2023, 87 mins)
A petty thief breaks into what he thinks is an empty home for a quick score—only to walk into an ongoing home invasion. As the situation escalates, he must decide whether to flee or intervene to protect an imperiled family. Danny Trejo plays Ralph, the father caught in the crossfire.
BULLET: DIRECTOR’S CUT (93 mins)
Veteran LAPD detective Frank “Bullet” Marasco (Trejo) goes rogue when cartel boss Carlito Kane kidnaps both the governor’s daughter and Bullet’s grandson. The Director’s Cut adds uncut action and extended scenes in this vigilante thriller.
CHAMPIONS (1997, 99 mins)
This martial‑arts actioner follows retired “Terminal Combat” fighter William Rockman as he returns to the ring after his brother’s death, only to uncover a deadly underground fight circuit run by promoter Max Brito—Trejo’s character.
I HEART ROBOTS (2024, 87 mins)
In a post‑apocalyptic future overrun by rogue machines, Terra embarks from her hidden encampment with her robot companion West to restore hope to a dying world. Danny Trejo supports the cast in this action‑adventure survival tale.
LUMPIA WITH A VENGEANCE (2022, 110 mins)
A tongue-in-cheek Filipino‑American action‑comedy that revives the cult‑favorite “Lumpia” superhero in a grown‑up sequel set in San Francisco’s Fogtown. Danny Trejo appears in a supporting role as Reyes, a streetwise local ally to the titular hero (played by former UFC fighter Mark Muñoz). Trejo brings his iconic tough‑guy charisma to the film, delivering memorable one‑liners and gritty presence in several key scenes where the hero and teen sidekick Rachel (April Absynth) raid a crime syndicate that’s peddling drugs hidden in food—a clever nod to the film’s lumpia-themed vigilante angle.
PASTOR SHEPHERD (2010, 91 mins)
A hapless freeze‑dried pet salesman (aka “Pastor Shepherd”) loses his job and hits the road with his pill‑addicted mother and neighbor to attend an End‑Times revival. With Danny Trejo as Phil Harrison, they all aim to become televangelists via the internet in this quirky comedy.
RANCHERO (2011, 98 mins)
After his parents’ death, ranch hand Jesse Torres moves to Los Angeles seeking a new life. Reuniting with a childhood friend, he gets drawn into urban gangs and drug conflicts. His new romance with Lil’ Bit becomes jeopardy when local mobster Capone (Trejo) takes interest.
REAPERS (2014, 90 mins)
A tense slasher-thriller in which a young woman on the run meets a religious extremist at a secluded inn. Danny Trejo plays Jack, one of her unexpected allies, amid mounting terror.
SMILE OR HUG (2022, 87 mins)
Trish, an online art teacher reeling from a breakup on her 30th birthday, finds solace through virtual connection with her students, support from friends, and guidance from “mind‑painter” Dr. Garcia—played by Trejo. A warm, feel‑good comedy about art, loss, and healing.
About Danny Trejo
Danny Trejo is a prolific American actor whose rugged features and intense presence have made him a distinctive figure in Hollywood. Born in Los Angeles in 1944, Trejo overcame a troubled youth marked by drug addiction and incarceration to become an inspirational success story. His entry into the film industry was unorthodox—he was initially hired as a boxing trainer on the set of Runaway Train (1985) before landing a small role that launched his acting career.
Trejo quickly became known for his tough-guy persona, often portraying villains, ex-cons, or antiheroes in films like Heat (1995), Con Air (1997), and Desperado (1995). His breakthrough as a lead came with Machete (2010), a cult action film that transformed him into a full-fledged action star and cemented his collaboration with director Robert Rodriguez.
Beyond film, Trejo has appeared in countless television shows (Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy), voice roles (King of the Hill, Grand Theft Auto), and even reality and cooking programs. He’s also a successful entrepreneur, owning the popular Trejo’s Tacos and Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts in Los Angeles.
With over 400 screen credits, Trejo is one of the most recognizable character actors in modern cinema. His off-screen work as a speaker and advocate for addiction recovery, along with his on-screen persona, has made him a beloved figure across generations. |
