The life of legendary Hollywood actor and internationally renowned artist Pepe Serna is revealed in Pepe Serna: Life Is Art, a one-hour documentary film directed by Luis Reyes will be available for streaming on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu on February 21, 2024. Told by Serna himself, the documentary follows his lengthy acting career and artistic life and provides viewers with a rare opportunity to discover previously unseen and unknown sides of the actor’s journey. 

With over 100 film and television credits, Serna is most recognized for his iconic role opposite Al Pacino in the classic film Scarface as Ángel Fernández, whose grisly demise is one of the most memorable in cinema history. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1944, Serna built a career from the ground up and appeared in films such as Car Wash with Richard Pryor, Postcards from the Edge with Meryl Streep, The Jerk with Steve Martin, and Academy Award-winning director Alexander Payne’s Downsizing with Matt Damon. 

Eva Longoria and Edward James Olmos, both longtime friends of Serna, provide personal insight and perspective on his versatility and longevity as an actor and artist alongside Cheech Marin, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Luis Valdez and many others.

Throughout his journey, he has inspired countless Latino artists to follow in his footsteps by delivering powerful performances for filmmakers such as Brian De Palma, Clint Eastwood, John Schlesinger, Dalton Trumbo, Roger Corman, Henry Hathaway, William Friedkin and Dick Donner. 

Serna’s career is a testament to how far Latinos have come in Hollywood. He has indisputably claimed a reputable place in one of the world’s most competitive industries for his story-telling abilities and unique drive to empower not just Latinos but also other underserved communities. 

His recent memoir “Life is Art” recounts his motivational story from humble beginnings and offers life-changing lessons to overcoming adversity. “Life is Art” is available now for purchase here.

In addition to Hollywood success, Pepe is a visual artist whose paintings have been exhibited in galleries around the world. He also conducts motivational and improvisational workshops in high schools nationwide.

The documentary received awards in 2022 including Best Documentary at the Official Latino Film and Arts Festival, and the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Audience Award at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, and Festival Prize at the South Texas International Film Festival.

Most recently, Serna can be seen in Eva Longoria’s feature directorial debut Flamin’ Hot and on Amazon’s TV series With Love.

For additional information on Pepe Serna: Life Is Art, please visit: 

Website: https://www.pepeserna.net

Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/pepesernanews/

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/pepefied11/

Purchase the book today Here

Cast: Luis Valdez (Playwright, director Zoot Suit, La Bamba), Edward James Olmos (Oscar-nominated actor & director), Eva Longoria (actor, producer & director), Gloria Calderón Kellet (showrunner on “One Day at a Time,” “With Love”), David Ansen (former Newsweek film critic), Cheech Marin (of the comedy duo Cheech and Chong, actor & art collector) and Robert Beltran (actor, Cmdr. Chakotay in Star Trek: Voyager TV series)

Produced By: Kayvon Derak Shanian, David Méndez and Isaac Artenstein 

Executive Produced by: David Damian Figueroa 

Directed By: Luis Reyes

Run Time: 1 hour and 2 minutes

Rating: Not rated

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Amazon MGM Studios will release the cinematic original

Watch the Official Trailer:

This Is Me…Now: A Love Story will stream globally on Prime Video on February 16th. This is the same day the new album This is Me…Now will be released, which is currently available for pre-order at https://jenniferlopez.lnk.to/ThisIsMeNowPR 

Directed by: Dave Meyers

Written by: Jennifer Lopez, Matt Walton 

Story by: Jennifer Lopez, Dave Meyers, Chris Shafer

Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Fat Joe, Trevor Noah, Kim Petras, Post Malone, Keke Palmer, Sofia Vergara, Jenifer Lewis, Jay Shetty, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Sadhguru, Tony Bellissimo, Derek Hough, Trevor Jackson, Paul Raci, Bella Gagliano, Brandon Delsid, Ashley Versher, Malcolm Kelner, Alix Angelis, Danielle Larracuente, Matthew Law and Ben Affleck

Runtime: 65 Minutes

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The acclaimed Mexican director and producer Patricia Riggen has a body of work as a director and producer that is enviable. This year the Imagen Awards have nominated Riggen for the 38th Annual Imagen Award for Best Director – Television for her moving work on the critically acclaimed streaming series Little America on Apple TV. The Imagen Award will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 3rd at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. This is Riggen’s 4th Imagen Award nomination for a Best Director and has previously won for the feature films Under the Same Moon (2008), Girl in Progress (2012), and The 33 (2016).

The Imagen Awards recognize excellence in Latine representation in the entertainment industry, and have chosen Riggen as a finalist in the Best Director category this year for her exceptional contributions in television. Little America has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling that explores the diverse and inspiring stories of immigrants in the United States, offering a unique perspective on the American experience.

Riggen’s nomination is a testament to her talent and consistent dedication to bringing these powerful Latino/e/x narratives to the screen. She masterfully directed the 2nd season finale episode (episode 8) of the Apple TV produced series.

The Little America episode, entitled ‘The Indoor Arm’, tells the true story of Celia (played by Victoria Canal), an El Salvadorian arm amputee who struggles to adjust to her new life after immigrating to America to be with her sister Marianna (played by Teresa Ruiz). This very important episode shines a light on the struggles, triumphs and self-acceptance of an immigrant in the U.S who also deals with daily physical challenges. Both Latina actresses in this episode are also nominated for an Imagen Award. Actress Victoria Canal is nominated for Best Actress – Comedy (Television) in her first acting role ever and the wonderful Teresa Ruiz for Best Supporting Actress – Comedy (Television). The episode also features moving performances by Academy Award nominee June Squibb (Mrs. Danforth) and award-winning actor James Saito (Ray).

“I’m honored to have been nominated once again for an Imagen Award. The support and encouragement that Helen Hernandez and the Imagen Foundation has given me throughout my career is truly humbling. Filming this episode of the “Little America” series holds a very special place in my heart. Having the opportunity to tell a true story about the struggles immigrants in the U.S. have always faced but with the added element of showing the struggles and triumphs of individuals with different abilities was so important to me.  We rarely see stories like this on screen.” – shared Patricia Riggen.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Riggen is no stranger to accolades, having previously received numerous awards for her work as a director and producer. Riggen gained widespread acclaim with her feature film La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon), which was acquired in an unprecedented sale by Fox Searchlight at the Sundance Film Festival in 2008 and became one of the first  Spanish-language box office sensations in the United States. Riggen’s remarkable career includes receiving a Student Academy Award for her short film, La Milpa (The Cornfield) and earning the Jury Prize at the Sundance for her documentary Family Portrait.

Her filmography includes the features Girl in Progress and the Disney Channel hit Lemonade Mouth, recognized with a DGA Award nomination. In 2015, Patricia helmed The 33, a film recounting the Chilean mining accident in 2010, followed by the successful Sony Pictures feature film Miracles from Heaven, which grossed over $73 million at the box office. Her versatility extends to directing both streaming and network episodic television, where she has excelled with series such as Amazon’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and most recently Hulu’s Dopesick. Currently, Riggen is working on her sixth feature film project, G20, an action-packed thriller featuring Oscar winner Viola Davis, scheduled for release in 2024.

For more information about Little America CLICK HERE.

For more information about the 38th Annual Imagen Awards: 

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Empanadas anyone?  The empanadas at Empanada Loca are extra tasty since Dolores Roach took up residence in the basement of one of the last Latino owned businesses in Washington Height in New York. 

Justina Machado plays the title role of Dolores Roach in this mesmerizing and bone-chilling tale of betrayal and cannibalism in the Amazon series The Horror of Dolores Roach which  grips viewers with its dark and twisted narrative.  

Machado delivers a remarkable performance, showcasing her versatility as an actress and bringing depth to the complex character of Dolores Roach. Whether she is playing a disturbing and horrifying serial killer, as in this series, or a single mom in the 2017 comedy hit series One Day at a Time, (where she was named the “One of the Most Dynamic Actresses on TV” by Harper’s Bazaar magazine), Machado always delivers with exceptional acting skills.

The series follows Dolores Roach, a woman recently released from a 16-year prison sentence, only to return to a gentrified neighborhood that is unrecognizable to her. Desperate to reunite with her former boyfriend, the neighborhood drug dealer, Dolores expects gratitude for not exposing his involvement in drug dealing. However, as the story unfolds, Dolores discovers that she was set up and seeks revenge, leading her down a path of murder, cannibalism, and twisted reasoning.

Machado seamlessly navigates the nuances of comedy and horror, delivering a chilling performance that keeps viewers simultaneously drawn to and frightened of her character. Dolores’ relationship with Luis Batista, played by Alejandro Hernandez, adds an eerie and unsettling dynamic to the series. The twisted romance between a killer and a cook becomes a central element, with Luis aiding Dolores in disposing of her victims – in a most delicious way.

The Horror of Dolores Roach cleverly employs Dolores’ internal narration, allowing viewers to understand her twisted justifications for her heinous acts. The series is a dark and horrifying tale that tackles themes of betrayal, mental illness, and the consequences of one’s actions. It hooks viewers from the beginning, likening it to the chilling atmosphere of “Sweeney Todd”, making Machado’s portrayal of Dolores Roach captivating and making it impossible not to both fear and empathize with her.

Throughout the series, the line between good and evil becomes blurred as Dolores seeks revenge against those who wronged her. The narrative is gripping and relentless, with each episode deepening the viewers’ connection to Dolores’ twisted world. While the themes of drugs, cannibalism, and mental instability may be unsettling for some, they serve as integral elements that contribute to the atmosphere and the character’s motivations.

Written and directed by Aaron Mark, who draws inspiration from his experience as a self-proclaimed “gentrifier” in Washington Heights, delves into the darkest corners of human nature. Mark originally crafted the story for Panamanian actress Daphne Rubin-Vega as a play, which later gained popularity as a podcast and ultimately made its way to television. The rights to the TV series were acquired by Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions, and also executive produced by Gloria Calderon Kellet through Glo Productions.

The featured cast includes a diverse talent pool that includes Kita Updike, K. Todd Freeman,
Jean Yoon, Ilan Eskenazi, Jessica Pimentel among others. The stand our guest stars include Judy Reyes who plays Marcie, the new neighborhood drug dealer and a dicey character played by Cyndi Lauper.

The Horror of Dolores Roach is an unforgettable and addictive TV series that demands attention. Justina Machado’s outstanding performance, combined with Aaron Mark’s skillful storytelling, creates a truly gripping and haunting experience. Brace yourself for a journey into the depths of darkness as you witness Dolores Roach’s descent into evil and the twisted reasoning behind her actions.

Originally created by Aaron Mark as a one-woman play, Empanada Loca for Panamanian actress Daphne Rubin-Vega, Mark created, wrote, and directed the original podcast and penned the series pilot script. The new series comes from Mark, who also serves as co-showrunner and executive producer with Dara Resnik, alongside executive producers Daphne Rubin-Vega; Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, and Chris Dickie for Blumhouse Television; Dawn Ostroff,Mimi O’Donnell, and Justin McGoldrick for Spotify; Gloria Calderón Kellett for GloNation Studios; and Roxann Dawson, who also directed the pilot.

All eight episodes of “The Horror of Dolores Roach” are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video as of July 7 on Amazon Prime #DoloresRoach

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“They broke the mold and reinvented the rules, making millions of fans fall in love with them without having to change who they are,” said Rocio Guerrero, global head of Latin Music at Amazon Music.

Slated to tributes are new Amazon Originals from different genres, including a remake of the classic merengue hit “Suavemente” by legendary merenguero Elvis Crespo, out on October 21. Other Originals include a beautiful tribute to the one and only Jenni Rivera by Mexican music star Eden Muñoz, through his version of “Inolvidable,” out on September 23, and singer-songwriter and producer Cuco’s cover of the classic “Mi Querido, Mi Viejo, Mi Amigo” by beloved artist Roberto Carlos, to be released on October 7. Cuco’s song will be accompanied by a Hollywood-themed video shot by Mexican Academy Award-nominated director Carlos Lopez Estrada.

Amazon Music will also launch the The Game Changers playlist, featuring some of the greatest artists and songs that reshaped the music scene as we know it. These artists revolutionized the way music was consumed, expanding its reach globally and proving music is its own universal language. Artists featured include Daddy Yankee, who has the most-viewed music video in YouTube  history; Celia Cruz, known as “The Queen of Salsa,” who received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 for her “outstanding artistic contributions to the field of recording;” Selena, whose album Dreaming of You was the fastest-selling album by a female artist in pop history per Billboard; Bad Bunny, the first artist to ever top the Billboard chart with a non-English album; and Romeo Santos, who holds four Guinness World Records. Other artists include: Ricky Martin, Jenni Rivera, Marc Anthony, Shakira, Aventura, Jennifer Lopez, Juanes, Carlos Vives, Roberto Carlos, Hector Lavoe, Luis Miguel, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Alejandro Sanz, Wisin & Yandel, Ivy Queen, Don Omar, Marco Antonio Solís, Juan Gabriel, and Vicente Fernández.

On October 5, Amazon Music will be premiering the podcast La Semanal, hosted by Christian Acosta and Jessica Flores. Inspired by the playlist of the same name, the podcast will dive deep into the top entertainment news of the week, the hottest new releases, and the most relevant artists in Latin pop culture, from every genre.

The campaign will also celebrate game-changing songwriters and producers who deliver hit after hit. On the “Written By” and “Produced By” playlists, Amazon Music recognizes the game changers behind all-time favorites that hold a place in music fans’ hearts and will feature demos from some of the most iconic and game-changing songs in history. Fans will be able to enjoy unreleased versions of their favorite songs, only on Amazon Music. 

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You Can’t Dance the Cumbia in Glass Slippers

Cinderella, starring Cuban-born pop singing sensation, Camilla Cabello, premiered on Amazon Prime Video to enthusiastic reviews and deservedly so. The “old gal” is given a much-needed facelift by writer, director, Kay Cannon (Blockers). This re-telling of Cinderella is infused with a much more modern, urban, hip sensibility of the oft-told fable. And the casting of Cabello in the lead role is the tasty frosting on an already delicious cake.

Cabello, like Cinderella, isn’t in the market for a prince to save her from her dreary existence. No, this Cinderella has dreams, ambitions and a mind of her own. Cannon also delights in poking fun at some of the well-known fairy tale conventions. In one scene Cinderella is being prepared by her Fabulous Godmother for the upcoming consequential royal ball played to hilarious campy effect by Billy Porter (Pose). Cinderella is asked if she is anxious to meet her future prince charming, Nicholas Galitzine (High Strung), at the ball. This Cinderella is a little ambivalent but is more concerned by the prospect of having to wear uncomfortable glass slippers. Any Latina worth her salsa knows you can’t do a decent cumbia in a pair of uncomfortable glass slippers.

The story narrative in Cinderella is frequently told in song and the dance sequences that seem to explode out of nowhere into beautifully costumed jailbreaks are reminiscent of Lin Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights. The exuberant spontaneous staging of the musical numbers is evocative of the best of Bollywood films.

The first-rate costumes, set designs, music score and cinematography make Cinderella a delectable treat of sights and sounds.

She’s Ready for Prime Time

Prior to her starring role in Cinderella, most of Cabello’s work in front of the camera was in her short music videos. These well-produced videos often featured scenes that show Cabello’s natural comic acting talents. Talents well-suited for a TV sitcom. It’s not too much of a stretch to imagine Cabello being the star of her own TV sitcom in the near future.

 Cabello’s unquestionable talent as a singer and actor will result in the story of her career having a happy, successful fairy tale ending of her very own.

A Second Look at “Once Upon a Time”

The success of this retooling of Cinderella should cause producers to take a second look at other beloved fairy tales that could be redone with an added tongue-in-cheek Spanglish twist.  

Here are a couple of my suggestions of a “second look” at the “once upon a time” movie magic that Hollywood could turn into highly entertaining content. With Mexican-Americans making up 66% of the U.S Latino population, these are sure to be major hits.

Little Red Low-rider Hood

Starring: Bad Bunny, Pitbull

Synopsis: Two rival low-rider car clubs in East San Jose vie for asphalt jungle, boulevard supremacy in their barrio through a show-stopping, car-bopping series of high-octane, joyous, life-affirming musical singing numbers and spontaneously erupting, street-filled, seemingly chaotically choreographed dance sequences.

 Goldilocks and the Three Bros

Starring: Shakira, Los Lonely Boys

A beautiful Mexican girl from Tijuana joins a Boyle Height Chicano boy band. Together they vie for Latino Rockband supremacy in their barrio against other bands through a show-stopping, be-bopping series of high-octane, joyous, life-affirming musical singing numbers and spontaneously erupting, street-filled, seemingly chaotically choreographed dance sequences.

 The Empanadero’s New Clothes

Starring: Enrique Castillo

Synopsis: A humble, Laredo baker, Chano Pintor, purchases a classic, 1940’s-era zoot suit in a vintage clothing store for a Halloween party. When he puts it on he discovers it gives him superhero powers. Chano uses these newfound powers to battle the gang bangers and drug cartels plaguing his barrio through a show-stopping, head-bopping series of high-octane, joyous, life-affirming musical singing numbers and spontaneously erupting, street-filled, seemingly chaotically choreographed dance sequences.

Cinderella is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video and stars: Camilla Cabello, Billy Porter, Nicholas Galitzine , and Idina Menzel

Featured Photo Credit: Amazon

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Meet the Diaz family:

The cast is led by Mexican-Lebanese actress Emeraude Toubia (Shadowhunters) who plays Lily Diaz. Lily is a hopeless romantic with a tight-knit Mexican-American family who is on a mission to find real love after breaking up with her perfect (on-paper) boyfriend.

Mark Indelicato (Ugly Betty) plays Jorge Jr. He is the pinnacle of style and the life of the party. However, he is fiercely protective of his sister Lily and his family. After years of dating, he has finally found a man good enough to bring home but he is nervous about how he will be received.

Together Lily and Jorge are on a mission to find love and purpose during the holidays.

Lily and Jorge’s parents Beatriz and Jorge Sr. are played by Constance Marie (George Lopez) andis Benito Martinez (The Shield) respectively. Jorge Sr. is a loving, caring father and husband, even if he has gotten a bit too relaxed in his marriage. Meanwhile Beatriz is going through a midlife/identity crisis with her kids getting older and her marriage basically being on auto-pilot.

And then there is Jorge Jr.’s boyfriend Henry played by Vincent Rodriguez (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) who is about to meet the whole Diaz family, the first man Jorge has ever brought home.

Recurring on the series are veteran actors Renee Victor (Coco, Vida) and Pepe Serna (Reno Man, Scarface) as the grandparents. The Diaz family is a true modern-day Mexican-American familia.

“To be bringing that family to life as my first project with Amazon Studios feels especially personal and is incredibly exciting,” Calderon Kellett said of her next project. “I cannot wait to share With Love this holiday season!” Production is already underway. Calderon Kellet is Creator/Executive Producer. The Amazon Studio original will be executive produced and directed by Meera Menon (For All Mankind, Ms. Marvel).

Other series regulars inculde Isis King as Sol Perez Sol is Lily and Jorge’s cousin, Todd Grinnell as Dr. Miles Murphy, Rome Flynn as Santiago Zayas (How To Get Away With Murder), and Jorge’s best friend and roommate Nick Zhao played by Desmond Chiam. Five episodes were ordered.

Featured Photo: (L-R) Constance Marie, Mark Indelicato, Benito Martinez (bottom) Renee Victor, Gloria Calderon Kellett & Pepe Serna. (Credit: Amazon)

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Justina Bonilla

Actress Emily Tosta stars alongside Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage, in the indie comedy-horror adventure Willy’s Wonderland.

Tosta, who was born in the Dominican Republic, first came to prominence in her recurring role as Leticia (Richard Cabral) sister (who soon we learn is really his daughter) on FX’s Mayans M.C. After season two, when Tosta landed a series regular role on Freeform’s reboot of the popular 90’s drama Party of Five it was unclear if we would ever see her back on Mayans M.C. However, Party of Five was canceled after just one season, and almost as if not skipping a beat, she just filmed the first episode of season three which premieres on March 16.

Cage, is known for his wide range of roles, from Valley Girl, Moonstruck, Leaving Las Vegas, Face/Off, Con Air, to National Treasure. He is also the nephew of the iconic director of the Movie Brat era, Francis Ford Coppola. In recent years, Cage has made a name for himself in horror cinema, gaining a new generation of fans as the contemporary “it guy” of horror, with such films as Mandy and Color out of Space. Past horror films of Cage’s include Vampire’s Kiss, 8MM, Mom and Dad, and the infamous remake of The Wicker Man. For Willy’s Wonderland, Cage is both the lead actor and a producer.

Willy’s Wonderland follows an unnamed loner, aka The Janitor (Cage), who is stranded in the middle of nowhere, due to car issues. In order to pay for the car repairs, he agrees to a one-night overnight cleaning job at Willy’s Wonderland, an old family entertainment center. The Janitor gets more than what he expected when he finds out that he has been locked inside and must face the terror of the bloodthirsty animatronics.

A local teenager, Liv (Tosta) is determined to destroy Willy’s Wonderland, to end the animatronics’ bloodlust attacks. She, along with her friends go to Willy’s Wonderland to burn the building down, until they realize the janitor is locked inside. They make their way inside to try and rescue him, but find themselves locked inside along with him. Liv and The Janitor become unlikely friends as they fight to get out alive.

Willy’s Wonderland is directed by Kevin Lewis and written by G.O. Parsons. It is now available to stream on Vudu and Amazon Prime, with a limited theatrical release. Explore screenmediafilms.net for further information.

Featured Photo: Photo: Screen Media Films

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VIDEO EXCLUSIVE

Comedienne Anjelah Johnson-Reyes is cooking up some chile verde flavored with a dash of memories. Her episode on Made From Scratch, the unscripted weekly series from FUSE that features artists as they cook their favorite childhood dishes with family members who helped them rise to prominence, airs on Jan. 5 on FUSE.

Born in San Jose, California Johnson-Reyes went from being an Oakland Raiders cheerleader and performing at Super Bowl XXXVII to deciding acting was her calling. 

Johnson-Reyes moved to Los Angeles and took matters into her own hands to get her career rolling. She created a character for her stand-up of a Vietnamese nail salon employee. The YouTube video went viral thereby essentially making a career for herself. Afterward, she joined the cast of MADtv and created the character of Bon Qui Qui, a disgruntled short-tempered, sassy fast-food employee turned rapper. She then landed the Comedy Central special Anjelah Johnson: That’s How We Do It in 2009; the 2013 Anjelah Johnson-Reyes: The Homecoming Show and the 2015 Anjelah Johnson-Reyes: Not Fancy Netflix specials.

And now she is cooking up something in the kitchen. In an exclusive from FUSE, we present a clip from Made From Scratch, where Johnson-Reyes and her cousin tease the audience with a tasty-looking chile verde from their grandmother’s recipe—with a side of family memories…and yes, rice and beans.

Made From Scratch is the appetizing weekly series that serves up a candid look into the lives of our favorite artists as they prepare their most-loved childhood dishes with the family who knows them best.  

But Johnson-Reyes’ skills outside the kitchen are many as her list of credits prove. A few years back she landed a record deal with Warner Bros. to record the “Gold Plated Dreams,” a comedy album based on her character of Bon Qui Qui. After that successful release, she recorded a music album titled “Merry Hoodmas.”  

On television, she has guest-starred in hit shows like Superstore, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Ugly Betty, and is also a sought after voice talent.

She will be starring along with Cedric The Entertainer, Jimmy Oh Yang, and a long list of some of the funniest comedians in The Opening Act, a film that was to come out in 2020 but because of the pandemic is still looking for a release in 2021.

Featured Photo: Anjelah Johnson-Reyes

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By Ana Perez

The 2016 presidential election shook the nation — if not the world. Former New York Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and real estate mogul and former reality TV star Donald Trump were the nominees for the two major political parties. Donald Trump went on to become the 45th president of the US, amid claims of voter fraud. What would have happened if an assassin had been added to the mix? 

Filmmaker Felix Igori Ramos explores just this scenario (minus the 2016 candidates) in his new and first feature film In the Defense Against Tyranny.

A political drama that deals with the fictitious presidential election of Edward Ashe (Rick Ravanello) and Meredith Grace. The plot centers around Frank Suarez played by Randy Vasquez (Will & Grace, SWAT, Bosch, Shameless), the TV host of the political talk show The Patriot, who secures an interview with Edward Ashe just days before the election. 

Frank’s personal life is in shambles with the loss of his wife, and the estrangement of his daughter. His daughter’s support for Ashe’s opponent puts Frank in a tough spot, believing that he could earn back her trust if he denounces his journalistic integrity and attack’s Ashe in their upcoming interview. Knowing that the interview could potentially influence the election, Frank now has to choose between balancing his own personal vindication, while maintaining professional integrity.

In the midst of all this, Suarez’s patriotism is tested when he  is approached to poison the polarizing candidate for the sake of democracy.  

“It’s a political film that begs the question ‘if one of the presidential candidates was seen as a threat to democracy, which is a way of life here in America, would an assassin possibly rise and stop him before he even becomes the most powerful man on the planet?’” Ramos explained.  

Although Ramos has made over a half dozen short films, In the Defense Against Tyranny is his first feature film, making his childhood dream of becoming a filmmaker come true.

After sneaking into Spike Lee’s 1989 critically acclaimed film Do the Right Thing at 11 years old, Ramos knew that he wanted to make films. 

“I sat in the theater, I watched Do the Right Thing and I don’t remember breathing. I was so blown away by it,” Ramos recounted. “On my way home I just knew, I wanted to do what he did. I wanted to blow someone’s mind away the way he just did to me.” 

Ramos didn’t go into the film industry right away. He eventually met Lee during a lecture at the University of Southern California and enrolled into film school after speaking with him. Ramos has been betting on himself since then. 

He and his wife financed the film themselves to get the project off the ground. The film took just under two weeks two produce and has a predominantly Latino cast.

“That’s one of the things I truly respect about Spike Lee is that he always talked about having black faces in front of the camera and black faces behind the camera,” Ramos said. “So I felt the same way. I want brown faces in front of the camera and brown faces behind the camera, because if we just sit and wait for white folks to give us that opportunity we’ll be waiting a long time, if ever.”

“This movie is about the people, we the people, and how much of a responsibility we have to preserve our protection, our way of life,” Ramos said. “It can be taken by either side or both sides.”

In the Defense Against Tyranny released on October 19 and is available on Amazon. The film will also be shown at the Orange County Latino Film Festival, Studio City International Film Festival and the Silicon Beach Film Festival.

“I hope people walk away feeling empowered and motivated to take back their country,” Ramos said.

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