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| The Best Latina-Theme Movies in America Festival in LA © 2018 |
In recent years, the stereotypical roles assigned to Latinas in Hollywood seem to be fading – the clichéd characters are becoming a thing of the past. No more nannies, naive women who marry wealthy white men, cholitas, gang members, housekeepers, aliens, robbers, drug dealers, or illiterate and unsophisticated immigrants from Latin America.
Optimistically, more visionary Latino and non-Latino directors are beginning to produce movies that can shift perceptions and foster a new perspective about Latinas in Hollywood. A place where, one day, race will no longer be an issue.
In the “New Latin Cinema,” Latinas now appear as lawyers, journalists, police officers, students, healers, explorers, hip-hop singers, renowned chefs, and dreamers.
In recent films, key Latina actresses such as Salma Hayek, Eva Mendes, Sofia Vergara, Kate del Castillo, Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Zoe Saldana, Aimee Garcia, Gina Rodriguez, America Ferrera, Elpidia Carrillo, and many others have stood out.
Surprisingly, our research shows that many of these original Latina-themed movies need to earn more at the box office to recover their investments. The need for higher profitability is why studios and investors often choose not to continue producing these highly valued films.
Today, thanks to strong word-of-mouth from parents, teachers, industry insiders, critics, and passionate movie lovers, Latina films are generating positive revenue on streaming platforms.
Nonetheless, we must continue creating those “marvelous gems” featuring Latinas, ensuring that these unheard voices remain heard.
A few months ago, to celebrate Mother’s Day in Downtown Los Angeles, the charming film “Luminarias,” directed by José Luis Valenzuela, was screened for free with the cast and crew present. This event prompts us to ask: why aren’t we producing a stunning all-Latina cast film like this every year?
Let's start a new tradition of making quality films like “Luminarias” that can inspire the next generation of talented Latinas to pursue careers in the film industry.
Latinos feel proud of the richness of their cinema produced in the United States, and this image is shared with a global audience.
The selection of Latina-themed movies features a diverse range of whimsical, vibrant, colorful, flavorful, and compelling films.
It is a beautifully crafted, independent film about the challenges a single Mexican mother faces as she strives to achieve her dreams and provide a better life for her family in a male-dominated world.
Skillfully directed by Anthony Lucero, the “fusion drama” seamlessly blends Latino and Asian cultures.
Diana Elizabeth Torres gives a charming and memorable performance as a female sushi chef.
The U.S. distribution was less successful than in Mexico, where the film, shot in Oakland, California, became a massive hit after being cleverly renamed “Sushi a la Mexicana” (or “Mexican Sushi” in English).
The strong stereotypes and the main character's ambiguity were a major turn-off for many viewers. At the same time, some praised the film for being brave enough to address topics like ecology, inequality, personal growth, and freedom for all.
This indie film gained significance as one of the first post-election 2016 movies to openly reference the person in power.
“Trade” is a visually stunning film that takes on remarkable courage. It is also known as “The Girls Next Door,” a vivid exposé on human trafficking. The gripping story follows a kidnapped girl named Adriana, played by Paulina Gaitan (“Sin Nombre,” “Narcos”), and her desperate brother, Jorge, played by Cesar Ramos (“4 Moons”). He tracks the captors from Mexico into the U.S. to rescue her.
This ambitious film boldly confronts the global issue of human trafficking, where good and evil collide in an ongoing battle. Actor Marco Perez from “Amores Perros” delivers a powerful performance as one of the kidnappers. The cast is also outstanding, including Kevin Kline, Kate del Castillo, Kathleen Gati, and Guillermo Ivan.
Consuela’s education and good manners are set aside for a compulsive sexual obsession between the student and the professor. The situation becomes, poetically speaking, an elegy for the lost causes of forbidden love.
Being underprivileged doesn’t mean they can’t aim higher. Whether right or wrong, it’s their lives.
Young viewers will likely relate to the decisions the characters must make.
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| Latinas Tackle the “Latinx Issue” in Hollywood |
Latinas Tackle the “Latinx Issue” in Hollywood
