Add it to your watchlist, stream it on release day, and tell your friends. Let’s make some noise for this joyful rom-com and show the industry that Latino voices, Latino love stories, and Latina creators belong front and center in Hollywood.

A Dream Decades in the Making

This is not just another rom-com. Say a Little Prayer is one of the very few romantic comedies written and produced by Latina women—a long-awaited project that writer-producer Nancy De Los Santos has been working to bring to life for over 20 years. Inspired by her grandmother’s advice to pray to St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things, because her “husband was lost” when she was still unmarried at 35, the film mixes humor, heart, and tradition into a story that feels both timeless and fresh.

For De Los Santos, this premiere is the culmination of persistence and passion. Latina romantic comedies are still a rarity in Hollywood, making this wide release especially meaningful. Produced by Cristina Nava of Migrant Filmworks, with Edward James Olmos and Luis Fonsi also on board as executive producers, the film delivers a joyful, authentic Latina perspective rarely seen in mainstream rom-coms.

Directed by Patrick Perez Vidauri, the film follows three inseparable best friends—Adela (Vannessa Vásquez), Ruby (Jackie Cruz), and Cristina (Vivian Lamolli)—who recite an ancient prayer to St. Anthony in their quest for true love. But what begins as a playful ritual turns into a whirlwind of unexpected events that test their friendships and transform their lives.

“Romantic Comedies are making a comeback,” said director Vidauri. “Audiences want to see beautiful people falling in love. Especially in a place as cinematic as San Antonio, with it’s one-of-a-kind Tejano culture.”

Adding star power and musical magic, Say a Little Prayer also marks the acting debut of Grammy Award–winning superstar Luis Fonsi (“Despacito”), who not only stars in the film but also contributes the original song “Prayer in Your Eyes,” co-written with Grammy-winning songwriter Josh Kear. The ensemble cast includes Mexican acting legend Angélica María (House of Flowers), Tatanka Means (Killers of the Flower Moon), and Chris Kattan (Saturday Night Live).

For the filmmakers and Latino audiences, this is more than just a movie—it’s proof that audiences want diverse stories on screen. But it will take audiences who love rom-com movies and who want to see Latinas on screen to watch the film and make sure to share and to support Say a Little Prayer. This is a powerful way to support Latina storytellers and open the door for more projects like this to be made.

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independently owned, and operated motion-picture company that develops, produces, and distributes innovative feature films.

The post With A ‘Prayer’ and Luis Fonsi This Rom-Com Hits Streamers and VOD Sept 26th first appeared on .

De Los Santos and Nava, both members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), are the writer and producer, respectively, of Say a Little Prayer, with an all-Latino lead cast,including Luis Fonsi, Vannessa Vasquez, Jackie Cruz, Vivian Lamolli, and Angélica María, capturing the rich and diverse experiences of Latinx communities, making a profound impact on the film landscape. 

Nancy De Los Santos was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and headed for trouble. She left Catholic high school for public high school and joined a Latina girl gang. One thing led to another, and she turned her life around, graduating from UT Austin and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Nancy began her career in Chicago as producer of Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel’s film review program At The Movies. With her production guidance, the show was nominated for two national Emmy Awards.

She’s worked as Associate Producer on the iconic Latino features My Family and Selena, and written for television shows Resurrection Blvd., American Family, and East Los High. Nancy was invited to Equinox, the Sundance of Europe, where her feature script Answer To My Prayer (Which ultimately became Say a Little Prayer) was work-shopped with writer Nora Ephron. Nora invited Nancy to submit for the theatre production “Love, Loss, and What I Wore”. Nancy’s personal story about her old gang sweater was accepted for the play, which has been staged in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Mexico City, proving the adage… “It all comes around…”

As the first Latina elected to the Board of Directors at the WGA, De Los Santos’ contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed. The Mexican American Cultural Education Foundation (MACEF) will honor her with the prestigious “Trailblazer in Screenwriting Illustrious Award” for her pioneering work, talent, and commitment to helping the Latino community exemplify those who are changing the narrative. The award ceremony is scheduled for April 27, 2025, during the 2025 Mexican-American Film and Television Festival and Awards to be held at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood.

Nava is a producer, screenwriter, and director who made her directorial debut with the award-winning film Free Lunch in 2024. She also collaborates with her husband, Patrick Perez Vidauri, at Migrant Filmworks, which they founded in 2011. They are dedicated to producing innovative content for the growing U.S. Latino market. Additionally, they are founding members of a collective of mid-career filmmakers based in the U.S. committed to advancing, accelerating, and amplifying Latino-American storytelling.

Cristina Nava is co-founder of Migrant Filmworks overseeing development and production. A veteran screenwriter and producer of film and television, she has supervised massive international television series, as well as intimate feature films. She has produced shows for Nickelodeon, Telemundo, and many more.  As a member of the Writers Guild of America,  Cristina enjoys the challenge of adapting client’s ideas into fully formed screenplays.  In 2020 Cristina took the client’s original concept and developed,  wrote and produced the romantic comedy  Divorce Bait starring Vannessa Vazquez (East Los High) and Justin Berti (Secret Lives of Housewives). This movie was acquired by the Samuel Goldwyn Company after a bidding war with Lionsgate.

Two visionary filmmakers whose innovative projects inspire audiences and are redefining cinematic storytelling that includes Latinos.

The post Recognizing Filmmakers Nancy de Los Santos and Cristina Nava on Women History Month first appeared on .

Say a Little Pray Will Stream on Apple TV+ and Prime Video This Valentine’s Day

Grammy Award-winning artist, Luis Fonsi has a lot love to share this Valentine’s Day. He made his acting debut as the romantic lead in the film Say a Little Prayer which is now set to make its video-on-demand premiere on Apple TV+ and Prime Video starting February 14, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Migrant Filmworks and New Cadence Productions have announced that the film will be on VOD following a successful limited theatrical run over the holidays last year when it screened in more than 120 theaters across the U.S. and the Caribbean, Say a Little Prayer is now set for its digital debut.

After reciting an ancient prayer the three “amigas” embark on a sacred mission to find their true love. What comes next is the story of Say a Little Prayer, which resonated among audiences when it had its theatrical release in November.  Audiences gave the film a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (a site where audiences can cast their vote for their favorite film). Say a Little Prayer truly resonated with audiences making  it a “must see” movie on Valentine’s Day and beyond!

The film stars Vannessa Vásquez (Divorce Bait), Jackie Cruz (Orange is the New Black), and Vivian Lamolli (Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies), alongside Fonsi. The supporting cast includes Angélica María, Pepe Serna, and Chris Kattan, adding depth and humor to the story.

Set in the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas, the film follows Adela (Vásquez), an art gallery owner; Ruby (Cruz), a social media influencer; and Cristina (Lamolli), a school teacher. When the trio performs a special prayer that promises to lead them to their soulmates, romance blossoms in the most unexpected ways, taking them on an emotional rollercoaster of love, self-discovery, and friendship.

A major highlight of the film is Luis Fonsi’s involvement, not only as an actor but also as a musician. His song The Prayer In Your Eyes serves as the film’s title track, adding an emotional resonance that enhances the storytelling.

Director Perez Vidauri spoke highly of his time working with Fonsi, “It was an honor and a pleasure to direct Luis Fonsi in this picture. He is a natural. He’s a lifelong performer and an amazingly authentic artist with a pure heart. It was important to all of us to bring this inclusive, Tejano-flavored story to life. I’m proud to help shine a light on Latino culture in the U.S. and hopefully enrich our cinematic tapestry.”

The film is produced by Cristina Nava of Migrant Filmworks and De Los Santos, with Edward James Olmos and Fonsi serving as executive producers.

Audiences can look forward to a heartfelt and entertaining film that celebrates love, culture, and the power of friendship.

The post Luis Fonsi Shares The Love On Valentine’s Day In ‘Say A Little Prayer’ first appeared on .

Multi-platinum-selling recording artist/songwriter Luis Fonsi is taking a major career leap into the acting realm.  Last week he signed on as the romantic lead in Nancy De Los Santos‘ romantic comedy The Answer to my Prayer, which is scheduled to begin shooting later in 2022.

Answer to My Prayers follows the romance travails of three Latina friends whose destinies are changed by an ancient prayer given to them by one of their abuelita. The prayer to St. Anthony promises to help them find true love. Fonsi plays the character of Rafael Reza in this romantic comedy with a Latina heart.  Casting is currently underway.

Back in the early 90’s putting together a project like this was what Latino indie filmmakers dreamt about — a day when they had enough industry clout to come together and tell the stories Hollywood still refuses to tell. The accomplished production team for The Answer to my Prayer, collectively have produced projects that include some of Hollywood’s biggest hits like Selena, Stand and Deliver, Mi Familia My Familia, American Me, Filly Brown, and The Bronze Screen:100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood Cinema.  

Actor/producer Edward James Olmos who is currently starring on FX’s Mayans M.C. and whose credits both as an actor and producer are legendary, is on board as executive producer, with award-winning director Patrick Perez Vidauri whose last three films have been romantic comedies (Divorce Bait, Townhouse Confidential and In Other Words) will direct from de Los Santos’s script. Cristina Nava who has worked alongside Vidauri as producer on two of his films will lead the production with Texas-based Roberto Treviño and Eileen Kret (Selena) as co-producers. 

Vidaurri and Nava are fast becoming the go-to duo specializing in romantic comedies with Latinos in the lead.  Producing under their banner of Migrant Filmworks this husband and wife team have produced In Other Words which starred Edy Ganam, Natasha Esca, Byran McClure and streamed on HBO.  Their most recent film Divorce Bait stars Vannessa Vasquez and Justin Berti, has been acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films and is set for a 2022 fall release. 

“The mission of our company is to tell stories with universal themes and to promote Latinx roles in front and behind the camera,” said Nava. I can’t wait to share this fun rom com full of comedy of errors, love triangles, and heart!”

The story is set in San Antonio, Texas where the city’s natural beauty, eclectic collection of public art, and historic architecture will add to the richness of the story making it a great setting for romance. 

“Nancy’s script has exactly the elements I look for when I take on a new project,” Perez told us. “With a warm, humanity-filled, and gut-busting hilarity that goes along with a unique look of our beautiful Texican and Latinx culture.

Fonsi’s casting as the lead character was inspired by his leading man looks and his numerous music videos performances as well as some television credits. That and the fact that he is known the world over for his 2017 record-breaking song Despacito played a major part. In 2020 his song broke six Guinness World Records by selling more than 11 million records and the music video was the most-watched YouTube video of all time until November 2020, with over 7 billion views.  

The casting also follows the template of the recent boxoffice hit Father of the Bride which cast singer/songrwriter Gloria Estefan in the lead role of Andy Garcia‘s wife in Father of the Bride which attracted the largest audience of any HBO Max movie that has streamed exclusively on the platform thanks in part to being among the top 5 movies in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and Argentina according to box office stats.

The possibility of an acting career was something Fonsi had thought of in the past.  Back in 2011 in an on-camera interview with Acceso Total he was asked if he ever considered an acting career, “If tomorrow, I’m asked to do a role in an interesting TV show or a movie, of course, I’m not going to turn it down if I feel I can do it”.  And just like that, eleven years later, Fonsi has found “the” interesting project that could launch his acting career.

“This is my dream team. Cristina, Patrick, and Mr. Olmos are filmmakers dedicated to elevating the Latina and Latino images by presenting realistic images of our community,” said de Los Santos.  “Patrick brings his extensive experience as a rom-com director. His incredible ability to tell a story visually, adding insight and imagery to the script, is a gift.”

Fonsi and Olmos are represented by CAA; Nava and Vidauri are both repped by Citizen Skull Productions. 

The post ‘Despacito’ Singer Luis Fonsi Heads to the Big Screen in Rom Com ‘Answer To my Prayer’  first appeared on .

Los Angeles, CA – Just announced, Latinos will be gracing the stage at the 94th Academy Awards in a live performance of Encanto’s hit song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”.  Featured in the live performance will be cast members Adassa, Stephanie Beatriz, Mauro Castillo, Carolina Gaitan and Diane Guerrero, along with Becky G and Luis Fonsi.

This will be the first live performance of the song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is nominated for Best Original Song for “Dos Oruguitas”, also from Encanto.

The 94th Oscars will be produced by Will Packer and Shayla Cowan which will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT and in more than 200 territories worldwide.  American Sign Language (ASL) provided by Certified Deaf Interpreters, live closed captioning and audio description will be available during the live broadcast.

The post Encanto Cast Members to Perform ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ at 94TH Oscars®  first appeared on .

Actress Sofia Vergara and singer/songwriter Luis Fonsi are among several Latino artists joining the annual holiday campaign of a nonprofit hospital that cares for children with cancer.

The Latino stars are among more than 20 actors, artists, entertainers and sports personalities supporting St. Jude Thanks and Giving, an annual campaign to help raise funds for the world-famous hospital that treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases totally free of charge. They recorded public service videos in English and Spanish.

Designated by the National Cancer Institute as the only comprehensive cancer center devoted to children, the hospital also conducts research and creates treatments that it shares with the world’s medical and scientific community.

“The children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital hold a special place in my heart and I am thrilled to once again participate in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign,” says Vergara (Modern Family), one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses. “St. Jude treats children from across the country and around the world and they freely share the discoveries they make worldwide to save thousands more children.

Says singer songwriter Fonsi of Despacito mega-fame, “The kindness and love that surrounds the children at St. Jude motivates me each and every day. And the positivity and strength of the children is inspiring.”

There are other Latinos in a long roster of entertainment and sports luminaries helping St. Jude’s holiday effort with public service announcements, radio spots and social media calls to action. They are actress Blanca Soto (Eva Luna, Dinner for Schmucks) and traditional Mexican music artists Banda El Recodo, Gerardo Ortiz, and Luis Coronel. The complete list includes Jennifer Aniston, Michael Strahan, Yara Shahidi, Anthony Hamilton, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Dwane Casey, Erica Campbell, Jake Owen, Jekalyn Carr, JoJo Siwa, Keith Urban, Kirk Franklin, Lady A, MAJOR., Tim McGraw, Sam Hurley, and The Game Theorists Matthew and Stephanie Patrick.  

Sofia Vergara Featured picture photo credit: St. Jude

To check out the public service announcements in English, visit St. Jude’s website.

For Spanish-language videos click here.

The post Latino Stars Join Hospital Holiday Effort first appeared on .

BMI kicks off the celebration of Hispanic Heritage with a month-long series of initiatives across its digital and social platforms to honor the rich history and important contributions Latinos have made to our society. This week, we highlight Colombian singer/songwriter Santiago Cruz through an exclusive BMI Jam Session on BMI’s YouTube channel, and Mexican songwriter/composer Marco Flores shares his career journey on BMI.com.

Tune in to BMI’s YouTube channel to revisit the best moments from BMI’s popular video series Emoji That Track® and exclusive interviews with iconic artists, such as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Gloria Trevi, and Mario Quintero, among many others. Check out our curated Spotify playlist, which highlights a diverse collection of Latin songwriters and producers. In the following weeks, we will have more exclusive content from Ricardo Montaner, Juanes, Lupita Infante, and more.

The post BMI Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month first appeared on .

By Vanessa Wyatt

A lot going on in the music world last week. We are still in quarantine, but there is new content to enjoy and more coming our way. From new music videos launching, to old songs keeping listeners going. Fans and stars keep the hype up on social media to express everything together. 

New music video released on August 6th, by Cardi B. and Megan Thee Stallion broke the internet this week! Their collaboration on new song “WAP” and music video featured Kylie Jenner strutting down a hallway in a leopard ensemble. Many fans rushed to Twitter to complain about Jenner’s cameo in the video, questioning the reasoning behind it. The buzz created more views for the video, which is now at 88 million views. 

Jennifer Lopez and Maluma have been recording a music video during quarantine. According to ET Online, JLo and Maluma were “spotted heading into a studio in Brooklyn on Sunday.” On August 9th, JLO announced excitement about a new project via her Instagram. Lopez said “if you want to know what we’ve been working on, comment below.” Lopez and Maluma also finished filming the movie Marry Me together, which is set to release next year. Maluma is on his way to taking Hollywood by storm. 

Daddy Yankee broke another Youtube record, with his video “Con Calma” featuring Snow, that was released last year, but now has over 2 billion views. According to an article from HOLA!, “Daddy Yankee is the Latin artist with the most subscribers on Youtube,” at 30.7 million subscribers. The music video Despacito, by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee remains the most watched video on Youtube with 6.9 billion views. 

Latino rock n’ roll star and actor Trini Lopez passed away at 83 from Covid19 on August 11th, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Lopez is known for hit songs in the 1960’s, If I Had a Hammer, and Lemon Tree. Frank Sinatra launched Lopez’s career by signing him to his record label, Reprise Records. Lopez also appeared in the films Dirty Dozen and Apollo 13. 

The post Weekly Entertainment Recap: The Music Vibe first appeared on .