Emilio & Yadi Rivera-Produced Doc About Fire Chief Who Left Gang Life To Save Lives Drops Trailer

EXCLUSIVE: Multihyphenates Emilio Rivera (Sons of Anarchy, Mayans M.C.) and his wife, Yadi Valerio Rivera (The Family Business, El Chicano), have released a trailer for Grit, their documentary passion project produced by their Outside the Box Films production banner, which can be watched below.

Grit tells the story of Luis Nevarez, born and raised in the Frogtown neighborhood of Elysian Valley, alongside childhood friend Rivera, who also appears in the doc. Nevarez survived the challenges of gang life and losing friends, along with a struggling relationship with his father. Through determination and resiliency, he transformed his life, becoming a firefighter and a devoted single father of three.

Nevarez faced further adversity when a 12k-volt on-the-job accident cost him the lower half of his left arm and nearly his life. Defying every limitation, he endured countless surgeries and relentless training to return to the force with no restrictions after a year. His career spans more than three decades with a focus on California’s Central Valley. Grit also explores Nevarez and Rivera’s enduring bond across the years and through the highs and lows.

The documentary is not just one of personal triumph; it is a testament to the power, determination, and relentless pursuit of a better life.

Grit was written by Valerio Rivera, who also made her directorial debut. The Riveras executive produced the title, their first project through their banner. The documentary is gearing up to present at film festivals, with dates to be announced in the future.

Outside the Box Films was born from the Riveras’ desire to change how Hollywood views Latinos. Their goal is to end stereotypes by showing Latinos can authentically play any role—heroes, complex villains, or leaders. Through their productions, they aim tell original, empowering stories. Additionally, Valerio Rivera ensured that 90% of the team behind Grit were Latinos.

Their production work is an expansion of Rivera’s longtime dedication to sharing his story, similar to Nevarez’s, in that he went from being part of the gang life in his younger years to finding success and has been paying it forward ever since. As part of his contributions to empower Hispanic youths, Rivera collaborated with the Hispanic 100’s Pay It Forward Foundation. The initiative provides college funding and mentoring to those who lack resources, guiding them through college and helping them land jobs afterward. The students will be among the first to watch the documentary.

The Riveras, Outside the Box Films and Grit are represented by Amsel, Eisenstadt, Frazier and Hinojosa.

Watch the trailer below.