A ceremony will open the evenings event with a presentation of the Santa Fe Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award to Danny Trejo. "American Underdog" delves into the journey of an Indian-American immigrant and former amateur MMA fighter, recently released from incarceration, who seeks redemption and transformation. After intervening in a convenience store robbery, he becomes an unlikely local hero, thrust into the unforgiving spotlight of fame. Encouraged by the community, he reluctantly enters a local MMA tournament, confronting his past demons and striving for victory.