“Joe Z”, Baltimore, MD

The documentary "Cockfighters:The Interviews" depicts various outstanding gamefowl breeders from all over the United States including Hawaii and the Philippines.  They cover all phases of our illustrious sport and hobby including breeding, raising, and conditioning gamefowl for all types of heels.

Many of the interview players present excellent views to justify the sport as a wholesome pastime, whether it be hobby, sport or means of livelihood. 

If our elected legislators could hear the statements of people who have full knowledge of our industry, they may have a different attitude towards our sport and our people.  By only receiving the description of our sport by the "humaniacs", they never get a true picture of what takes place in a game breeders life.  Male and female enthusiasts give a comprehensive explanation of why they are involved in the most practiced sport in the world.

After viewing the four-part series of Stephanie J. Castillo's "Cockfighters:The Interviews", I feel every legislator and game fowl breeder should have a copy for true insight into the life we love. 

These tapes would be a valuable addition to anyone's library.

Jim Demourelle, Ville Platt, LA

This work is true to cocking in every way.  No information, feelings, history or location in the USA has been left out. This is a historical work and every library in the country should have a copy.

Bacon Nivison, Logan, Utah

I remember when Stephanie Castillo called me the first time and told me about this project. To say I was suspicious would be an understatement. She said she wanted to bring cameras onto my place and interview me for a possible special on cockfighting. After having been burned by more than one media representative I have a hard, fast rule about the media and that is DON'T TALK TO EM! so I came very close to turning her down flat. She spoke of her grandfather who was a cockfighter and of her desire to learn the truth and to present an unbiased look at the sport. Ultimately I don't know if it was her argument or my never ending desire to be the focus of attention (I confess I'm an incurable ham) that finally convinced me to participate. Now that I've seen the final product I must say that I'm not only proud but greatly honored to be a part of it.

On this 8 hour marathon collection, Stephanie Castillo amply demonstrates the skill and sensibility that make her an Emmy Award winning filmmaker. True to her word she presents no bias, no PC editorializing, but rather, produces a very detailed, in depth look at the cocking community from the point of view of the cockers themselves. I expected a high level of professionalism in the filming and editing and I was not dissappointed, but what I did not expect was Stephanie's uncanny ability to get into the minds of the cockers and draw out some very open and remarkable insights. She definitely did her homework before going into this and more importantly she brought a sensibility to the project that no amount of homework could have compensated for and the result is truly stunning.

You will find everything from cocking history, personal experiences and remininces, to hard facts, how to's, and philosophies from some of the finest cockers across the country. Stephanie takes you onto their farms, into their homes and even to the pit. Beautiful birds, beautiful farms, remarkable people and a virtual goldmine of cocking information. This set is a must have for anyone with any kind of interest in cocking.

In closing I would like to thank Stephanie for including me in this project, it is very gratifying to find myself in the company of the likes of Johnny Jumper, Joe Z. and all of the other fine cockers here. This work will have historical impact and being a part of it is truly an honor.

Paul Romias, Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii