Surrey filmmakers’ iPhone-shot short, El lazo de Petra, racks up 76M views, captivating audiences with a powerful Mexican folklore tale.
A Viral Sensation Born from an iPhone
In just a few short weeks, a cinematic gem shot entirely on an iPhone 16 Pro has taken the internet by storm—racking up a jaw-dropping 76 million views on YouTube. The film in question? El lazo de Petra, an 11-minute short that blends heartfelt storytelling with dazzling visuals.
This captivating creation comes from Surrey-based filmmaking duo Gigi Saul Guerrero and Raynor Shima, whose work proves that you don’t need a blockbuster budget to capture the world’s attention—just a great story and a phone.
From Surrey to the World
Commissioned by Apple Mexico, the film was produced under the banner of Luchagore Productions. Guerrero took the director’s chair, while Shima served as producer, and together they brought a slice of Mexican folklore to the global stage.
A Legendary Tale with Modern Magic
The plot follows an abuela (grandmother) who shares with her granddaughter the legend of Petra—a fierce charra (horsewoman) armed with a powerful lasso. Petra’s mission? To defend her town from mythical creatures lurking in the underworld.
Through rich visuals and vibrant storytelling, the short doesn’t just entertain—it immerses viewers in a cultural narrative that feels both timeless and urgent.
Proof That Storytelling Transcends Tools
While the iPhone 16 Pro’s cinematic capabilities certainly shine, it’s the soul of the story that’s fueling the film’s meteoric rise. Audiences across the globe are hitting replay, proving that creativity, passion, and heritage can turn even a smartphone-shot film into a viral phenomenon.
