Years Later the documentary film BBOY for LIFE is still transforming lives, particularly one woman’s life.
In 2011, Nadus Films traveled to Guatemala City, one of the most dangerous cities in the world, to unearth untold stories of break dancers facing the threat of dangerous gangs. Partnering with a local organization, we embedded ourselves in the heart of the city, even sleeping on floors in high-risk zones, to capture the lives of break dancers who defied gang culture with the mantra: “More Dance—Less Evil.” Their story captivated us.
BBOY for LIFE – How Breakdancing is Changing Futures in the Gang-Saturated Population of Guatemala City.
The strife of feeling trapped by the lack of opportunity is palpable throughout Guatemala city as gunshots sound off with a routine frequency due to gang violence. The endemic death of brothers and sisters due to gang violence creates a distorted normalization of bloody streets, and being a perpetuator of violence is the commonplace method of survival. In the midst of the violence, one unlikely group persists in their pursuit of more humane methods of living and survival – breakdancers. Our documentary follows how they brought forth hope where none existed and the resistance they met from the gangs patrolling the streets as they reclaimed their right to live without violence.
But it was Leidy, a woman with a powerful presence and an even more complex past, who would forever change the trajectory of this film project, showcasing her journey towards a better life.
Meeting Leidy: From Gang Member to Security Escort
Knowing the risks of filming in such a volatile environment, we asked our local partner for a security recommendation. Her answer surprised us: Leidy, a gang member who was currently serving in prison. She was slated to finish a four-year prison sentence just days before our arrival. I was shocked she recommended Leidy, but intrigued.
Staying curious, and trusting our partner’s instincts, we agreed to hire Leidy. Her deep understanding of the streets and ability to sense trouble were invaluable assets. What we didn’t anticipate was the impact she would have on us—and ultimately, on herself, as the documentary shows her transformation.
Leidy’s Point of No Return
From the moment we met, it was clear Leidy was at a turning point. She had endured a life of violence and loss. Much like the breakdancers working towards a new way of life, Leidy was at a turning point, fighting for a better future. She was a mother trying to reconnect with her two young sons, yet trapped in a gang culture that rarely allows for escape. For Leidy, the stakes were life and death.
As trust grew between us, she began sharing her story. Her resilience and desire for change inspired us to include her in the film BBOY for LIFE. Leidy became a central character—a woman grappling with her past, fighting for a better future, and facing impossible odds.
It was a dangerous decision. Her gang could have retaliated for her participation in the film. But Leidy chose to move forward, embracing the risk in the hope of something more meaningful than the life she knew.
Braving A Path of Forgiveness and Transformation
Leidy was not only our protector during film production but also a testament to the human capacity for change. She reconciled with her children. She formed friendships with the b-boys and b-girls she once regarded as enemies. Through the lens of BBOY for LIFE, she began rewriting her story.
But the danger was real. Once the film wrapped, Nadus Films stepped in to help her relocate and start anew, shielding her from gang retribution. By God’s grace, she survived.
Forging a New Life
Since then, Leidy has built a life she once thought impossible. She’s had another son, maintained steady work, and stayed the course despite overwhelming challenges. We’ve remained close friends, bonded by an experience neither of us will ever forget—marked, quite literally, by the tattoo she gave me on a rooftop in Guatemala City with a makeshift tattoo gun and a flask of bourbon (another story for another time).
A few weeks ago, Leidy reached out with a request: help purchasing a used car so she could begin driving for Uber. It was a chance for her to achieve financial independence while continuing to provide for her family.
Thanks to the generosity of Nadus Films’ donors, we were able to help. Leidy took out a loan to contribute toward the purchase, and we covered the rest. It was important that she had ownership in this step forward, and we were honored to stand alongside her.
Today, Leidy has her car. She’s driving, earning, and continuing her journey toward a brighter future—all because of the support from people like you.
A letter from Leidy (unedited):
English Transcript:
Good afternoon, my name is Leidy Castillo from Guatemala🇬🇹. I feel very blessed, even I have had so many processes in my path. At one point in my life, exactly in 2011, I met Coury. For me has been a great blessing since he decided to make a documentary here in Guatemala about “B-boys and gang members”, and the decision to take one of these two paths. Coury has been a huge blessing. He helped me in the process to get clean my criminal record papers (when I got out of prison). I had them because I used to be in prison. Thank God, has been God who has changed my life. I worked in an organization for 12 years, and while i was working there I had the opportunity to meet Coury and his friends. Currently I no longer belong (work at) to the organization. So, the situation in my country is so difficult and is so hard to get a job, especially after a certain age, I am 45 years old. I was asking for help to get a car so I can get my own to work on Uber, because I need to get an income to provide food and housing for my son who was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder grade 3 (ADHD). He uses medication and I am the one who has to buy those medications for him. I went back to talk to Coury, and he gladly agreed to help me, to provide me with a car. Thank God it was achieved! Coury, I am truly sooooo grateful with all my heart, I have no words to thank you. You have been a great blessing to me. From now on, with God’s favor, I have a way to provide for my son. Thank you very much, really, Coury thank you so much, God bless you and bless all who see this video. God is faithful, God is faithful!! Many blessings to all!!
The Lasting Legacy of the Documentary Film
The impact of documentary films on the breaking community is both profound and enduring. These films serve as a valuable resource, preserving the history and evolution of breakdancing for future generations. “BBoy for Life” sheds light on the unique challenges faced by breakdancers in Guatemala City, emphasizing the importance of supporting this resilient community. Through these films, the stories and struggles of breakdancers are immortalized, ensuring that their contributions to breakdance culture are never forgotten.
Make a Difference in Helping Transform Lives Like Leidy’s
Storytelling is transformative. It can change lives—not just for those who watch but also for those who courageously step in front of the lens. Few stories embody Nadus Films’ mission to “making films that make a difference” like that of Leidy.
Leidy’s story is living proof that films can do more than entertain—they can transform lives. Watch the BBOY for LIFE documentary to see the impact Nadus Films has made in Guatemala and join us in creating more stories that make a difference.
Donate to Nadus Films Give A Story Grant to help us continue changing lives, one story at a time.
Making Films that Make a Difference,
Coury Deeb
Founder & Director at Nadus Films