Azul Oscuro, Azul Celeste is a 2026 Mexican documentary film about the institutional structure and governance of the cement cooperative Cooperativa La Cruz Azul and its associated football club Cruz Azul. Directed by Carlos Carrera and Carlos Bátiz, the film examines the internal conflicts affecting both entities during the administration of Guillermo "Billy" Álvarez Cuevas.[1]
| Azul Oscuro, Azul Celeste | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Carlos Bátiz Carlos Carrera |
| Written by | Alejandro Gerber Bicecci Silvia Pasternac |
| Produced by | Carlos Bátiz |
| Cinematography | Junior Gonzalez Vidblain Balvas |
| Edited by | Arturo González Alonso Daniel Paz Rodrigo Ríos |
| Music by | Javier Baca |
Production company | Creative Show |
| Distributed by | Art Kingdom Cinemex |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 101 minutes |
| Country | Mexico |
| Language | Spanish |
The documentary premiered at the 41st Guadalajara International Film Festival on 18 April 2026,[2] before its commercial release in Mexican cinemas.[3]
Synopsis
editThe film examines the administration of Guillermo "Billy" Álvarez within Cooperativa La Cruz Azul and its associated football club Cruz Azul. It traces his rise as a leading figure in Mexican football and business, as well as the legal investigations and internal disputes that marked the later years of his tenure. Through testimonies, archival material, and investigative reporting, the documentary explores the institutional structure of the cooperative and its relationship with the football club, addressing the political, financial, and legal issues that affected both entities.[4][5][6]
Production
editThe documentary was directed by Carlos Carrera and Carlos Bátiz. Development of the project began around 2020, when it was initially conceived as a television series before being reworked into a feature-length documentary.[6] The production is based on investigative research, incorporating testimonies, archival footage, and previously unseen material related to the internal affairs of Cruz Azul and its cooperative structure.[7]
Release
editAzul Oscuro, Azul Celeste is scheduled to premiere on 18 April 2026 as part of the 41st Guadalajara International Film Festival, which runs from 17 to 25 April 2026. The film is set for a commercial theatrical release in Mexico on 28 May 2026, distributed by Cinemex.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "Cruz Azul revela trailer del documental "Azul oscuro, azul celeste"". TUDN (in Spanish). 2 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- ↑ "Crimen, poder y cemento: La cara más turbia del Cruz Azul". Informador.mx (in Spanish). 18 April 2026. Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ "Cuándo se proyectará "Azul Oscuro, Azul Celeste", documental del Cruz Azul sobre turbio caso de Billy Álvarez". Infobae (in Spanish). 2 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- ↑ "¡Cruz Azul a la pantalla grande! Presentan documental sobre la marca cementera en México". Mediotiempo (in Spanish). 2 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- ↑ "'Azul oscuro, azul celeste', el documental que revela los secretos de Cruz Azul". Excélsior (in Spanish). 2 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- 1 2 "'Azul Oscuro, Azul Celeste': Todo lo que debes saber del documental del Cruz Azul que se proyectará en cines". El Financiero (in Spanish). 3 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- ↑ "Liga MX Under the Spotlight: Billy Álvarez to Have Documentary on the Cruz Azul Case". SoyFútbol. 2 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- ↑ "Documental de Cruz Azul ya tiene fecha de estreno". Récord (in Spanish). 9 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.