Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo’s life has been anything but ordinary. Raised in a dysfunctional family unit with a heroin addict for an uncle, it would only be a matter of time before the youngster would fall prey to the same wrongdoings as his elders. Having been in and out of prison during the 1960s, it was ultimately San Quentin’s 12-step rehabilitation programme for alcoholics and narcotics that would go on to alter the course of this man’s future for good.

Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo takes viewers behind the scenes of this beguiling tale about one troubled individual who swapped notoriety for love. The documentary comprises of a number of interviews given to the media by Trejo’s family, friends and colleagues, as well as the star himself. Trejo travels back in time to recreate pivotal memories from his past.

Nobody could have imagined that Hollywood would soon come knocking. Having discovered his love of acting following a successful period of sobriety, Trejo went on to make a plethora of films such as Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, Spy Kids and Machete, before returning to his beloved hometown of Pacoima, Los Angeles, using his earnings to help those members of his community who were less fortunate.

The message in this narrative is clear. It does not matter where one has come from, as people do not have to remain the product of their past. They can evolve and do great things if only they possess the willpower to do so. Trejo’s life has shown the world just that; it’s never too late to rewrite one’s destiny.

Ghazaleh Golpira

Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo is released digitally on demand on 22^nd June 2020.

Watch the trailer for Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo here: