Stage 13, the digital content brand and a division of Warner Bros. Digital Networks, is returning to the Sundance Film Festival for the second year in a row, screening its original digital series “High & Mighty” in the Indie Episodic 3 category. The series was created and written by Cesar Mazariegos (“Deception”) and directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada (Blindspotting). Variety recently spotlighted Estrada as one of “10 Directors To Watch.”
The critically acclaimed “High & Mighty” is an original, scripted, stoner comedy that takes place after a near-fatal incident, when lovable lush Chelo Chavez (Jorge Diaz) is shocked to discover that he may have super powers… but only when he’s drunk or high. With the help of his two homies, and his smart-mouth little sister, he’s out to test these new powers, and find out how the hell he got them in the first place.
“We’re beyond thrilled to return to Sundance and showcase the audience favorite “High & Mighty” for the festival crowd,” said Diana Mogollón, SVP & General Manager of Stage 13. “We’re proud to present a much-buzzed-about series that showcases two creators to watch – writer Cesar Mazariegos and director Carlos Lopez Estrada. Together they have created a high quality, hysterical and fast-paced comedy featuring great performances by a stellar cast, beautifully shot in Los Angeles. We can’t wait for audiences across the globe to see it.”
“We’re beyond thrilled to return to Sundance and showcase the audience favorite “High & Mighty” for the festival crowd,” said Diana Mogollón, SVP & General Manager of Stage 13. “We’re proud to present a much-buzzed-about series that showcases two creators to watch – writer Cesar Mazariegos and director Carlos Lopez Estrada. Together they have created a high quality, hysterical and fast-paced comedy featuring great performances by a stellar cast, beautifully shot in Los Angeles. We can’t wait for audiences across the globe to see it.”
“My favorite part of super hero movies has always been the origin story,” said Mazariegos. “Those moments when our hero is confused and amazed, wondering what to do with their newfound powers. I often wondered, what if those powers didn’t fall on some brave do-gooder who wants to save the world, but rather some unemployed bum who really liked to party? How does that guy save the world when he can’t even save himself?”
Lopez Estrada said, “I was drawn to this series because the characters it portrays are so far removed from the stereotypes we normally see of Latinos living in America. These people are complex, fascinating and hilarious; and the issues that they face are ones with no easy answer. I also loved the idea of an indie approach to a superhero origin story that is stripped off the gloss and epic scope that we normally associate with these kinds of stories. Something about a superhero tale that focuses on the little things felt like a refreshing challenge. The series feels real and hopefully people to walk away with a different kind of experience than the one they’d expect from this genre.”
Lopez Estrada said, “I was drawn to this series because the characters it portrays are so far removed from the stereotypes we normally see of Latinos living in America. These people are complex, fascinating and hilarious; and the issues that they face are ones with no easy answer. I also loved the idea of an indie approach to a superhero origin story that is stripped off the gloss and epic scope that we normally associate with these kinds of stories. Something about a superhero tale that focuses on the little things felt like a refreshing challenge. The series feels real and hopefully people to walk away with a different kind of experience than the one they’d expect from this genre.”
Sundance Screening Details:
Tuesday, January 23
3:30 p.m. High & Mighty screening and Q&A
@ The Ray, Park City
Wednesday, January 24
6:00 p.m. High & Mighty screening and Q&A
@ Park Avenue Theatre, Park City
Thursday, January 25
9:45 p.m. High & Mighty screening and Q&A
@ Broadway Centre Cinema 3, Salt Lake City
