The film Karateka, directed by Aritz Moreno, tells the extraordinary life story of Sandra Sánchez, one of the greatest karate athletes of all time. Scheduled for release in Spanish cinemas on October 30, 2026, this biopic highlights the inspiring journey of a woman who defied expectations to reach the top of her sport. (source)
🥇 Who is Sandra Sánchez?
Born on September 16, 1981, in Talavera de la Reina, Spain, Sandra Sánchez is a karateka specializing in individual kata. Despite a late start in her international career, she built an astonishing record of achievements:
- 🥇 Olympic Champion at the Tokyo 2020 Games
- 🥇 Double World Champion (2018 and 2021)
- 🥇 Seven-time consecutive European Champion (2015–2022)
- 🥇 Guinness World Record holder for the most medals won in Karate 1 Premier League (35 medals between 2014 and 2020) (Wikipedia)
Her path to greatness was not easy. Early in her career, she was excluded from national teams for being “too old”—but she proved everyone wrong and became a symbol of perseverance, discipline, and resilience.
🎬 About the Movie
Karateka
Produced by Atresmedia Cine, Karateka is a cinematic tribute to Sandra Sánchez’s life and legacy. It follows her rise from humble beginnings to the Olympic podium.
- Director: Aritz Moreno (Advantages of Travelling by Train)
- Lead Actress: Andrea Ros as Sandra Sánchez
- Lead Actor: Patrick Criado as Jesús del Moral, her coach and partner
- Filming locations: Spain and Japan (including Madrid, Tottori, and Fujinomiya)
The film emphasizes the deep connection between Sandra and her coach Jesús, showcasing how their personal and professional partnership fueled her success.
🎥 Release Date
Karateka will hit Spanish theaters on October 30, 2026.
It promises to be a powerful and emotional story of determination and belief—showing how passion and persistence can break down barriers and achieve greatness.