“[This is a story about] a young woman who comes from a [geographically isolated region], where a lot of complex historical and social issues take place. And rather than being a victim of them, she fights back,” Gaytán shared. 

Directed by Laredo filmmakers Nicolas Lewis and Karen Gaytán and produced by Laredo native Amanda Sarabia, “Traviesa: The Documentary” showcases Lozano’s journey from training tirelessly for and competing in the Olympics. Behind the scenes, the filmmakers have followed Lozano since November 2023, shortly after qualifications in the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, winning the silver medal in the 50-kilogram weight class.

While the documentary does not directly focus on the more personal aspects of Lozano’s life, it’s important to understand that her journey as a boxer and upbringing was far from easy, growing up fighting bullies and machismo culture head-on. Despite these obstacles, Lozano found boxing as an outlet that transformed her into, as Gaytán mentioned, “crème de la crème of athletic excellence.”

Lozano grew up surrounded by the loss of friends and family due to violence. One of the people she lost was her grandmother, her inspiration and the woman who playfully called her by the nickname “La Traviesa,” or “the troublemaker.” Her grandmother’s passing is one that many in our region have shared trauma from, for she was a victim of cartel violence.

Gaytán shared, “To me, seeing Jenny, whose family was impacted by cartel violence, whose family and her experience was impacted by harsh socioeconomic conditions, by a culture that shames women who speak up, for her to have the courage early on before anybody supported her, for her to have the courage to pursue her dreams and prove everybody wrong—I just can’t imagine a more inspiring testament to the power of believing in yourself.”