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	<title>Nancy De Los Santos -</title>
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	<description>Covering Latinos in Hollywood Since 1992</description>
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	<title>Nancy De Los Santos -</title>
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		<title>With A &#8216;Prayer&#8217; and Luis Fonsi This Rom-Com Hits Streamers and VOD Sept 26th</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/with-a-prayer-and-luis-fonsi-this-rom-com-hits-streamers-and-vod-sept-26th/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=with-a-prayer-and-luis-fonsi-this-rom-com-hits-streamers-and-vod-sept-26th</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Latin Heat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:48:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indie Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Angelica Maria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cristina Nava]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jackie Cruz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luis Fonsi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nancy De Los Santos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Say a Little Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vannessa Vasquez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vivian Lamolli]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=85033</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Romantic comedies are officially making a comeback—and now one of the most refreshing and groundbreaking one begins streaming</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/with-a-prayer-and-luis-fonsi-this-rom-com-hits-streamers-and-vod-sept-26th/">With A ‘Prayer’ and Luis Fonsi This Rom-Com Hits Streamers and VOD Sept 26th</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Romantic comedies are officially making a comeback—and now one of the most refreshing and groundbreaking one  begins streaming right to your screen. On Friday, September 26, Samuel Goldwyn Films will release <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> on all major video-on-demand and streaming platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play/YouTube Movies, Comcast, Cox, Charter, Verizon, AT&amp;T, DirecTV, and Fandango at Home.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="816" height="1024" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Where-to-watch-say-a-little-prayer-816x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-85035" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Where-to-watch-say-a-little-prayer-816x1024.png 816w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Where-to-watch-say-a-little-prayer-239x300.png 239w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Where-to-watch-say-a-little-prayer-768x963.png 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Where-to-watch-say-a-little-prayer-585x734.png 585w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Where-to-watch-say-a-little-prayer.png 1062w" sizes="(max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px" /></figure>



<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>A Dream Decades in the Making</strong></p>



<p>This is not just another rom-com. <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> is one of the very few romantic comedies written and produced by Latina women—a long-awaited project that writer-producer<strong> Nancy De Los Santos</strong> 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.</p>



<p>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<strong> Cristina Nava </strong>of Migrant Filmworks, with <strong>Edward James Olmos</strong> and <strong>Luis Fonsi</strong> also on board as executive producers, the film delivers a joyful, authentic Latina perspective rarely seen in mainstream rom-coms.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="Say A Little Prayer | OFFICIAL TRAILER" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y9K_N7a6sT8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Directed by <strong>Patrick Perez Vidauri</strong>, the film follows three inseparable best friends—Adela (<strong>Vannessa Vásquez</strong>), Ruby (<strong>Jackie Cruz</strong>), and Cristina (<strong>Vivian Lamolli</strong>)—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.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



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



<p>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 <em>Say a Little Prayer</em>.  This is a powerful way to support Latina storytellers and open the door for more projects like this to be made.</p>



<p>Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independently owned, and operated motion-picture company that develops, produces, and distributes innovative feature films.  </p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/with-a-prayer-and-luis-fonsi-this-rom-com-hits-streamers-and-vod-sept-26th/">With A ‘Prayer’ and Luis Fonsi This Rom-Com Hits Streamers and VOD Sept 26th</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Recognizing Filmmakers Nancy de Los Santos and Cristina Nava on Women History Month</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/recognizing-filmmakers-nancy-de-los-santos-and-cristina-nava-on-women-history-month/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=recognizing-filmmakers-nancy-de-los-santos-and-cristina-nava-on-women-history-month</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Latin Heat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:29:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LatinoWood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Angelica Maria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cristina Nava]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luis Fonsi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nancy De Los Santos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Patrick Perez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Say a Little Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vannessa Vasquez]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=84559</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Two women who believed it was time to bring the Latina rom-com back to the big screen after</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/recognizing-filmmakers-nancy-de-los-santos-and-cristina-nava-on-women-history-month/">Recognizing Filmmakers Nancy de Los Santos and Cristina Nava on Women History Month</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Two women who believed it was time to bring the Latina rom-com back to the big screen after a 20 years absence, not only succeeded with last years theatrical release of  <strong><em>Say a Little Prayer</em></strong>, it is now also available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.  In celebration of Women History Month we spotlight filmmakers<strong> Nancy De Los Santos </strong>(<em>Selena, Gotta Kick It Up</em>) and<strong> Cristina Nava</strong> (<em>Divorce Bait, In Other Words</em>), the ladies that not only produced this feature but who are making major strides in the film industry giving voice to women in film.</p>



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



<p>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 <strong>Roger Ebert</strong> and <strong>Gene Siskel’s</strong> film review program <em>At The Movies</em>. With her production guidance, the show was nominated for two national Emmy Awards.</p>



<p>She’s worked as Associate Producer on the iconic Latino features&nbsp;<em>My Family</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Selena</em>, and written for television shows&nbsp;<em>Resurrection Blvd</em>.,&nbsp;<em>American Family</em>, and&nbsp;<em>East Los High</em>. Nancy was invited to Equinox, the Sundance of Europe, where her feature script <em>Answer To My Prayer</em> (Which ultimately became<em> Say a Little Prayer</em>) was work-shopped with writer <strong>Nora Ephron</strong>. 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&#8230; “It all comes around&#8230;”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="960" height="640" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Patrick-Christina-Nancy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84560" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Patrick-Christina-Nancy.jpg 960w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Patrick-Christina-Nancy-300x200.jpg 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Patrick-Christina-Nancy-768x512.jpg 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Patrick-Christina-Nancy-585x390.jpg 585w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><sup>(L-R) Writer-Producer Nancy de Los Santos, Director Patrick Perez &amp; Producer Cristina Nava</sup></figcaption></figure>



<p>As the first Latina elected to the Board of Directors at the WGA, De Los Santos&#8217; 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.</p>



<p>Nava is a producer, screenwriter, and director who made her directorial debut with the award-winning film&nbsp;<em>Free Lunch</em>&nbsp;in 2024. She also collaborates with her husband,<strong> Patrick Perez Vidauri,</strong> 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.</p>



<p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a member of the Writers Guild of America,&nbsp;&nbsp;Cristina enjoys the challenge of adapting client&#8217;s ideas into fully formed screenplays.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2020 Cristina took the client&#8217;s original concept and developed,&nbsp;&nbsp;wrote and produced the romantic comedy&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>Divorce Bait</em>&nbsp;starring Vannessa Vazquez (<em>East Los High</em>) and Justin Berti (S<em>ecret Lives of Housewives</em>). This movie was acquired by the Samuel Goldwyn Company after a bidding war with Lionsgate.</p>



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



<p></p>



<p>&nbsp;</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/recognizing-filmmakers-nancy-de-los-santos-and-cristina-nava-on-women-history-month/">Recognizing Filmmakers Nancy de Los Santos and Cristina Nava on Women History Month</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Luis Fonsi Shares The Love On Valentine&#8217;s Day In &#8216;Say A Little Prayer&#8217;</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/luis-fonsi-shares-the-love-on-valentines-day-in-say-a-little-prayer/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=luis-fonsi-shares-the-love-on-valentines-day-in-say-a-little-prayer</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bel Hernandez Castillo]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:49:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media/Tech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AppleTV+]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jackie Cruz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luis Fonsi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nancy De Los Santos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prime Video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romantic Comedy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Say a Little Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Valentine's Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vannessa Vasquez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vivian Lamolli]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=84486</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>By Bel Hernandez Castillo Say a Little Pray Will Stream on Apple TV+ and Prime Video This Valentine’s</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/luis-fonsi-shares-the-love-on-valentines-day-in-say-a-little-prayer/">Luis Fonsi Shares The Love On Valentine’s Day In ‘Say A Little Prayer’</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="has-text-align-right">By Bel Hernandez Castillo</p>



<p><em style=""><b>Say a Little Pray</b></em><strong> Will Stream on Apple TV+  and Prime Video This Valentine’s Day</strong></p>



<p>Grammy Award-winning artist, <strong>Luis Fonsi</strong> has a lot love to share this Valentine&#8217;s Day.  He made his acting debut as the romantic lead in the film <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> 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, <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> is now set for its digital debut. </p>



<p>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 <em>Say a Little Prayer</em>, 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). <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> truly resonated with audiences making  it a “must see” movie on Valentine’s Day and beyond!</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p><strong>Director Perez Vidauri</strong> 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.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/DNJnWlHhCeU?si=r7MKUP4GXBKF3nSx
</div></figure>



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



<p>Audiences can look forward to a heartfelt and entertaining film that celebrates love, culture, and the power of friendship.</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/luis-fonsi-shares-the-love-on-valentines-day-in-say-a-little-prayer/">Luis Fonsi Shares The Love On Valentine’s Day In ‘Say A Little Prayer’</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Say a Little Prayer: A U.S. Latina Rom-Com That Breaks the Mold</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/say-a-little-prayer-a-u-s-latina-rom-com-that-breaks-the-mold/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=say-a-little-prayer-a-u-s-latina-rom-com-that-breaks-the-mold</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Latin Heat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:06:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Film Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jackie Cruz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latina Rom-Com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Migrant Filmworks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nancy De Los Santos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Cadence Productions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Antonio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Say a Little Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vannessa Vasquez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vivian Lomalli]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=84369</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>By Bel Hernandez Castillo Over the weekend, a Variety reviewer called the film Say a Little Prayer “…a</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/say-a-little-prayer-a-u-s-latina-rom-com-that-breaks-the-mold/">Say a Little Prayer: A U.S. Latina Rom-Com That Breaks the Mold</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="has-text-align-right">By Bel Hernandez Castillo</p>



<p>Over the weekend, a Variety reviewer called the film <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> “…a well-intentioned but ordinary Latino Romantic Comedy.” I respectfully disagree with that assessment—and not just on one count, but two.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>It’s Anything But Ordinary</strong></h3>



<p>Let’s talk about “ordinary.” By definition, ordinary means “with no special or distinctive features; normal.” But there is nothing “normal” about <em>Say a Little Prayer, </em>a rom-com written by <strong>Nancy de Los Santos</strong> and directed by <strong>Patrick Perez</strong>. In fact, it breaks new ground as the first English-language romantic comedy centered on U.S. Latinas in over 30 years. That alone makes it extraordinary.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="517" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kiss-1024x517.png" alt="" class="wp-image-84374" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kiss-1024x517.png 1024w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kiss-300x152.png 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kiss-768x388.png 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kiss-585x295.png 585w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kiss.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><sup>Grammy Award winning Luis Fonsi and Vannessa Vasquez</sup></figcaption></figure>



<p>There are very few Latina actresses who have starred in rom-coms over the years. <strong>Jennifer Lopez </strong>is one of them and she has starred in over eight of them including <em>Maid in Manhattan</em>, <em>The Back-Up Plan</em>, <em>Shotgun Wedding</em>, but those films rarely explored their characters&#8217; heritage or culture. While those characters occasionally had Latina names, their identities were largely incidental to the story. By contrast, <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> is unapologetically rooted in Latina identity, making it a unique entry in the rom-com genre.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A Genre of Its Own</strong></h3>



<p>What sets <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> apart is that it’s not a “Latino Romantic Comedy”; it’s a U.S.<em> LATINA </em>Romantic Comedy. That distinction is crucial. The film speaks directly to U.S. Latinas, claiming space in a genre that hasn’t fully embraced their stories. Representation matters, and this movie reminds us why.</p>



<p>It’s clear the film didn’t resonate with the reviewer, and that’s fine. Not every movie is made for everyone. But it’s important to recognize that this film was created with a very specific audience in mind: women, especially Latinas, who love family-centered and relationship-driven stories. Research into rom-com audiences shows that 85% of viewers are women aged 18 to 44, a group that gravitates toward romantic and heartfelt narratives. For these viewers, especially U.S. Latinas, <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> offers a chance of seeing themselves authentically represented on screen is a rare and deeply meaningful experience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A Love Letter to San Antonio</strong></h3>



<p>The reviewer also critiqued the film’s setting, writing, “Every frame in the film could serve as a glossy tourism campaign encouraging viewers to visit the lovely city of San Antonio. Pérez Vidauri and cinematographer Mario Gallegos miss no chance to feature the famous River Walk and other landmarks.”</p>



<p>And the problem is?</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="700" height="500" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/San-Antonio-riverwalk.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84371" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/San-Antonio-riverwalk.jpg 700w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/San-Antonio-riverwalk-300x214.jpg 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/San-Antonio-riverwalk-585x418.jpg 585w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><sup>San Antonio Riverwalk (Courtesy: Migrant Films)</sup></figcaption></figure>



<p>San Antonio isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in the story. Its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and scenic beauty make the setting feel authentic and alive. Incorporating these elements only enhances the film’s charm and grounds it in the experiences of many U.S. Latinas while celebrating the beauty of a city that many call home.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Representation Matters</strong></h3>



<p>It’s 2025, and it’s about time that U.S. Latinas see themselves in leading roles, especially in non-stereotypical stories about love and self-discovery. As the saying goes, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” For younger generations, films like <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> are vital—they normalize seeing Latinas as complex, relatable, and worthy of center stage.&nbsp; This isn’t just another rom-com—it’s a celebration of U.S. Latina identity and culture.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A Story Rooted in Real Life</strong></h3>



<p>The story behind <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> is as inspiring as the film itself. Screenwriter de Los Santos loosely based the plot on her own experience in her 30s, when her grandmother, concerned that she was still not married, gave her the San Antonio de Pauda prayer, telling her that her “husband was lost and the prayer would help her find him.” That moment sparked a 25-year journey to bring this story to life.</p>



<p>De Los Santos has always been dedicated to telling Latina stories, serving as an associate producer on <em>Mi Familia</em> and <em>Selena</em> with strong Latina characters, and writing <em>Gotta Kick It Up</em> (2002), a Disney Channel TV movie about a Latina-centric school dance team. <em>Say a Little Prayer</em> is the culmination of that passion and determination—a film that celebrates U.S. Latinas and their place in the world of romantic comedies.</p>



<p>Over the weekend, de los Santos attended several opening weekend screenings around L.A. At a Norwalk screening in  East L.A. she told the audience, “Realizing that we were not on screen, made me angry. It made me angry that I did not see myself on the screen. So that anger turned into passion,&#8221; she said to hoots. &#8220;And, a Latina with passion cannot be stopped,&#8221; she said to cheers from the audience. &#8220;And, a Latina with passion cannot be stopped,&#8221; she concluded to thunderous applause.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/zaZ9lQxj8jw?si=V0KH3Ec6tyHbA-_3
</div></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>A Bold Step Forward</strong></h3>



<p>Judging from the many sold out screenings at the AMC theaters around the country in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston and several more, the movie definitely captured a specific audience.  As of this writing, the box office numbers are not in yet, but one thing is certain, Latinas came out to support.  Feeling represented in this film, organizations and individuals organized groups at various theaters and took to social media to have their say.  </p>



<p><em>Say a Little Prayer</em> is far from ordinary—it’s a bold step forward for Latina representation in Hollywood. It’s a film that embraces culture, identity, and love, proving that there’s nothing “normal” about being groundbreaking. For U.S. Latinas and rom-com fans alike, this movie is a much-needed breath of fresh air.</p>



<p><strong>Cast:</strong> Vannessa Vasquez, Luis Fonsi, Jackie Cruz, Vivian Lamolli, Angélica María.                                                  <strong>Produced by:</strong>  Cristina Nava, Nancy De Los Santos-Reza. Executive producers: Edward James Olmos, Luis Fonsi, Belinda Vela Reyna, Rowland S. Reyna, Dorene Dominguez, Sol Trujilo, Jeff Valdez, Patrick Perez Vidauri. Gil Elbaz.</p>



<p>Distributed by: New Cadence Productions</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/say-a-little-prayer-a-u-s-latina-rom-com-that-breaks-the-mold/">Say a Little Prayer: A U.S. Latina Rom-Com That Breaks the Mold</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>The Chicano Squad; Carlos Eric Lopez&#8217;s Curalita; &#038; Ugly Little Monkeys</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/the-chicano-squad-carlos-eric-lopezs-curalita-ugly-little-monkeys/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-chicano-squad-carlos-eric-lopezs-curalita-ugly-little-monkeys</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mina Briseño]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:58:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LatinoWood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[A&E]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Detectives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[documentary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Houston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latinos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lawrence Bender]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mario Diaz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nancy De Los Santos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sergio Selvrea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Chicano Squad]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=83989</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Last week was a busy one!&#160;&#160; The Chicano Squad CAA Screening At an exclusive screening at the Creative</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/the-chicano-squad-carlos-eric-lopezs-curalita-ugly-little-monkeys/">The Chicano Squad; Carlos Eric Lopez’s Curalita; & Ugly Little Monkeys</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="433" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/about-Last-Week.png" alt="" class="wp-image-83990" style="width:397px;height:auto" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/about-Last-Week.png 999w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/about-Last-Week-300x130.png 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/about-Last-Week-768x333.png 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/about-Last-Week-585x254.png 585w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></figure>



<p>Last week was a busy one!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2f88ffb6d0dcb4c1c3022147f0d84717" style="color:#0e50a2"><strong><em>The Chicano Squad</em> CAA</strong> <strong>Screening</strong></p>



<p>At an exclusive screening at the Creative Artists Agency, the audience was treated to a viewing of one episode of the docu-series <em>The Chicano Squad</em> which is set to premiere on A&amp;E beginning on Monday, September 2nd at 9pm/8pm central.</p>



<p>It is a fascinating story of the little group of Chicano Detective up against having to prove themselves and solving cases that had long been abandon.  They were given 90 day to solve hundreds of open cases if not they would shut them down.   </p>



<p><em>The Chicano Squad </em>chronicles the groundbreaking team of bilingual patrol officers plucked from their beats and suddenly promoted to Detectives to form the first all-Latino homicide unit dedicated to tackling Houston’s soaring rate of Latino homicide cases in 1979. Dubbed “The Chicano Squad” by the Houston media, the story of these men becoming one of the most highly decorated law enforcement units in the history of Houston is told through firsthand accounts of the original squad members and those impacted by their work.</p>



<p>The docu-series interviews some of the original members of the Chicano Squad, including <strong>Jim Montero</strong>, <strong>José Selvera</strong>, <strong>Raymond Gonzales</strong>, <strong>U.P. Hernández</strong>, and <strong>Cecil Mosqueda</strong> about their story which will air 45 years after the formation of the squad.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1405" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/At-the-screening-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84007" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/At-the-screening-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/At-the-screening-300x165.jpg 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/At-the-screening-1024x562.jpg 1024w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/At-the-screening-768x422.jpg 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/At-the-screening-1536x843.jpg 1536w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/At-the-screening-2048x1124.jpg 2048w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/At-the-screening-585x321.jpg 585w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>In attendance were Executive Producers <strong>Nancy de Los Santos</strong> and <strong>Sergio Selvera</strong> (whose dad is one of the original Chicano Squad members).  It was their collaboration on the story that was taken to Bender Brown Productions who then teamed up with A&amp;E to produce it.</p>



<p>Among the creative talents in attendance at the screening were showrunner/director and executive producer <strong>Mario Diaz</strong> (who is repped by CAA), <strong>Kevin Brown</strong> and <strong>Lawrence Bender</strong> of Bender Brown Productions, and original Chicano Squad members Selvera Jr. and Hernandez.</p>



<p>Hats off to A&amp;E for documenting this very important, untold story about Latinos who for once were the heroes in the story rather than the stereotypes.</p>



<p><em>The Chicano Squad</em> is produced by Jupiter Entertainment<em> (Snapped)</em> and Bender Brown Productions <em>(Seven Seconds</em>) for A&amp;E.</p>



<p class="has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-21f4f760de175881e89e14b6cef01a03" style="color:#0e50a2"><strong>Carlos Eric Lopez Launches Curalita with Celebrity friends and Community</strong></p>



<p><strong>Carlos Eric Lopez</strong> is known for his eclectic taste in glamor, culture and one of LA’s most sought-after photographers in the nation.&nbsp; His clients like Vogue, Netflix, Amazon, Disney+ and high-profile brands like Ralph Lauren, Fendi, and Nike.&nbsp; And now Carlos adds entrepreneur to his list of titles.&nbsp; Always ahead of the cultural curve last week as Carlos launched the delicious and healthy community-driven wellness drink Curalita<strong>.</strong></p>



<p>Inspired by his Abuelita – his affectionate grandmother…Carlos named his drinks Cura<strong>lita, </strong>choosing Mexican inspired flavors with names like La Virgen, Por Amor, Mal de Ojo and Sana Sana.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="Carlos Eric Lopez Curalita Launch With Celebrity Friends" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vc8pix3lH_U?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>In attendance to help him launch his brand in a spectacular way was literally a who is who of Latino Hollywood’s hottest talents who have all been photographed by Lopez to support the launch of his product.&nbsp; His friends actor<strong> Xolo Maridueña</strong> (<em>Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai</em>),&nbsp; <strong>Annie Gonzalez</strong> (<em>Flamin’ Hot, Jenni, Gentified</em>) who also sang, TV Showrunner/actress Gloria Calderon Kellett (<em>With Love, One Day at a Time</em>), Jessica Marie Garcia (<em>On My Block</em>), actress <strong>Nicole Richie</strong> (<em>Project Runway</em>)&nbsp; and several others.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-df3a0a012ccb29f76eae49bfd96d392a" style="color:#0e50a2"><strong><em>Ugly Little Monkeys</em> Community Screening at La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes</strong></p>



<p>A screening of the documentary Ugly Little Monkeys took place last week under the stars on a cool L.A. summer night at La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes.</p>



<p><em>Ugly Little Monkeys</em> is a compelling documentary that brings to life the remarkable journey of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, the pioneering youth Mariachi group in the United States.</p>



<p>Inspired by <strong>Wilfred Arvizu&#8217;s</strong> captivating book, this film delves into the heart of Tucson, Arizona, where the group was formed in the 1960s under the guidance of an unlikely mentor, Father Charles Rourke, an Irish priest with a deep passion for Mariachi music.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Audience members experience a rollercoaster of emotions as the documentary screened. With a combination of laughter, shock and in some cases, anger, at the end of the evening several audience members were ready to nominate it for an Oscar!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/QA-at-Plaza-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83992" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/QA-at-Plaza-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/QA-at-Plaza-300x225.jpg 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/QA-at-Plaza-768x576.jpg 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/QA-at-Plaza-585x439.jpg 585w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/QA-at-Plaza.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><sub>(L-R) <strong>Richard Moreno</strong> (Editor) Co-Directors <strong>David Valdez</strong> &amp; <strong>Enrique Castillo</strong>, Moderator <strong>Jose Ronstadt</strong>, Estrella News Anchor</sub></figcaption></figure>



<p>Participating in the pre-screening Q&amp;A were Co-Directors <strong>Enrique Castillo</strong> and <strong>David Valdez</strong> and <strong>Richard Moreno</strong> the Editor, and moderated by Estrella TV news Anchor, <strong>Jose Ronstadt</strong>.&nbsp; The latter three, Valdez, Ronstadt and Moreno were all born and raised in Tucson, where the story mostly takes place, and are very familiar with the story.&nbsp; Still the interviews with the original members were quite a revelation – to them and the audience.</p>



<p>Five years in the making, nineteen original members were interviewed for the documentary, each telling their first hand recounting of the story, from the founding of the group by Father Rourke, the excitement or traveling across the country, to the unraveling of the priest and ultimately to the triumph of their spirits.</p>



<p>The Changuitos Feos are still thriving after 60 years.&nbsp; To commemorate this the filmmakers are offering the documentary to non-profit organizations as a fundraising screening to help them raise funds for the arts, and in particular youth mariachi groups.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Outdoor screenings at La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes are always a fun experience. In spite of the helicopters flying by – the audience was captivated!</p>



<p>Until next week!</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/the-chicano-squad-carlos-eric-lopezs-curalita-ugly-little-monkeys/">The Chicano Squad; Carlos Eric Lopez’s Curalita; & Ugly Little Monkeys</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>&#8216;Despacito&#8217; Singer Luis Fonsi Heads to the Big Screen in Rom Com ‘Answer To my Prayer’ </title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/despacito-singer-luis-fonsi-heads-to-the-big-screen-in-rom-com-answer-to-my-prayer/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=despacito-singer-luis-fonsi-heads-to-the-big-screen-in-rom-com-answer-to-my-prayer</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bel Hernandez Castillo]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:05:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LatinoWood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Despacito]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Edward James Olmos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eileen Kret]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luis Fonsi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark Treviño]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nancy De Los Santos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Patrick Perez Vidauri]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romantic Comedy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=80079</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Edward James Olmos on Board as Executive Producer Multi-platinum-selling recording artist/songwriter Luis Fonsi is taking a major career</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/despacito-singer-luis-fonsi-heads-to-the-big-screen-in-rom-com-answer-to-my-prayer/">‘Despacito’ Singer Luis Fonsi Heads to the Big Screen in Rom Com ‘Answer To my Prayer’ </a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="has-text-color has-medium-font-size" style="color:#1a855e"><strong>Edward James Olmos on Board as Executive Produce</strong>r</p>



<p>Multi-platinum-selling recording artist/songwriter <strong>Luis Fonsi</strong> is taking a major career leap into the acting realm.  Last week he signed on as the romantic lead in <strong>Nancy De Los Santos</strong>&#8216; romantic comedy <em>The Answer to my Prayer</em>, which is scheduled to begin shooting later in 2022. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Nancy_DeLosSantos_Photo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80082" width="252" height="320" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Nancy_DeLosSantos_Photo.jpg 453w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Nancy_DeLosSantos_Photo-236x300.jpg 236w" sizes="(max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px" /><figcaption><sub>Screenwriter Nancy de Los Santos (Photo: Self) </sub></figcaption></figure>



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



<p>Back in the early 90’s putting together a project like this was what Latino indie filmmakers dreamt about &#8212; 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 <em>The Answer to my Prayer, </em>collectively have produced projects that include some of Hollywood&#8217;s biggest hits like <em>Selena, Stand and Deliver, Mi Familia My Familia, American Me, Filly Brown</em>, and <em>The Bronze Screen:100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood Cinema</em>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EdwardJames_Olmos_Photo-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80085" width="281" height="351" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EdwardJames_Olmos_Photo-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EdwardJames_Olmos_Photo-240x300.jpg 240w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EdwardJames_Olmos_Photo-768x960.jpg 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EdwardJames_Olmos_Photo-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EdwardJames_Olmos_Photo-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EdwardJames_Olmos_Photo-585x731.jpg 585w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/EdwardJames_Olmos_Photo-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 281px) 100vw, 281px" /><figcaption><sub>Actor/Producer <strong>Edward James Olmos</strong> (Photo: Self)</sub></figcaption></figure>



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Cristina_Nava_-Headshot-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80084" width="215" height="229"/><figcaption><sub>Producer <strong>Cristina Nava</strong>, (Photo: Self)</sub></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Patrick-Perez-Vidauri.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80081" width="226" height="226" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Patrick-Perez-Vidauri.jpg 852w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Patrick-Perez-Vidauri-300x300.jpg 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Patrick-Perez-Vidauri-150x150.jpg 150w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Patrick-Perez-Vidauri-768x768.jpg 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Patrick-Perez-Vidauri-585x585.jpg 585w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Patrick-Perez-Vidauri-220x220.jpg 220w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Patrick-Perez-Vidauri-80x80.jpg 80w" sizes="(max-width: 226px) 100vw, 226px" /><figcaption><sub>Director <strong>Patrick Perez Vidauri </strong>(Photo: Self)</sub></figcaption></figure>



<p>“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!”</p>



<p>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.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“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.</p>



<p>Fonsi&#8217;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 <em>Despacito</em> 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The casting also follows the template of the recent boxoffice hit Father of the Bride which cast singer/songrwriter <strong>Gloria Estefan</strong> in the lead role of <strong>Andy Garcia</strong>&#8216;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.</p>



<p>The possibility of an acting career was something Fonsi had thought of in the past.&nbsp; Back in 2011 in an on-camera interview with <em>Acceso Tota</em>l 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”.&nbsp; And just like that, eleven years later, Fonsi has found “the” interesting project that could launch his acting career.</p>



<p>“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.&nbsp; “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.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="Luis Fonsi - Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kJQP7kiw5Fk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Fonsi and Olmos are represented by CAA; Nava and Vidauri are both repped by Citizen Skull Productions.&nbsp;</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/despacito-singer-luis-fonsi-heads-to-the-big-screen-in-rom-com-answer-to-my-prayer/">‘Despacito’ Singer Luis Fonsi Heads to the Big Screen in Rom Com ‘Answer To my Prayer’ </a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Celebrating Rising Star Anie Gonzalez</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/celebrating-a-rising-star/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=celebrating-a-rising-star</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[latinheat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Dec 2021 23:51:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Annie Gonzalez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gentefied]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesse Garcia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JJ Soria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[latin heat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nancy De Los Santos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging.latinheat.com/?p=71991</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Latino Hollywood came together at the first annual Latin Heat Rising Star Award Ceremony to honor actress Annie</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/celebrating-a-rising-star/">Celebrating Rising Star Anie Gonzalez</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Latino Hollywood came together at the first annual Latin Heat Rising Star Award Ceremony to honor actress <strong>Annie Gonzalez</strong>, star of the popular Netflix series <em>Gentefied</em>, the anticipated feature film <em>Flamin&#8217; Hot</em> and <strong>George Lopez’s</strong> upcoming Amazon series <em>Once Upon a Time in Aztlan</em>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Gonzalez was surrounded by many cast members of the film and TV projects she has worked on this year, as well as her family and close friends.</p>



<p>The event was hosted by NEFT Vodka at their headquarters in the city of El Segundo, California. The intimate, exclusive event had a feeling of <em>familia</em>. Special invited guests of seasoned talent who have literally paved the way for the next generation included actors <strong>Marlene Forte </strong>(<em>Superstore</em>, <em>Star Trek</em>), <strong>Enrique Castillo </strong>(<em>In Other Words</em>, <em>Blood In Blood Out</em>, <em>DejaVu</em>), <strong>Patricia Rae </strong>(<em>All Rise</em>) and <strong>Seidy Lopez </strong>(<em>Selena: The Series</em>, <em>Mi Vida Loca</em>), <strong>Art Bonilla </strong>(<em>Gentefied</em>) and Emmy Award-nominated writer-producer <strong>Nancy De Los Santos </strong>(<em>Answer to My Prayers</em>, <em>Selena</em>, <em>Mi Familia</em>).</p>



<p>The young cadre of Latino actors in Hollywood was in full force, a sign that Latinos are a new creative force on the big and small screens. Among the new stars that attended to celebrate Gonzalez were <strong>Julio Macias </strong>(<em>Selena: The Series on My Block</em>), <strong>Joseph Julian Soria </strong>(<em>The Flight Attendant</em>, <em>Gentefied</em>), <strong>Chelsea Rendon </strong>(<em>Maya and the Three</em>, <em>Vida</em>), <strong>Julissa Calderon </strong>(<em>With Love</em>, <em>Gentefied</em>), <strong>Jacqueline Grace Lopez</strong> (<em>East Los High</em>), <strong>Armida Lopez </strong>(<em>Boss Level</em>), <strong>Karina Noelle Castillo</strong> (<em>NCIS</em>, <em>S.W.A.T.</em>), <strong>Suanny Serpas</strong> (<em>Eye for an Eye</em>) <strong>Momo Rodriguez</strong> (<em>Mayans MC</em>) and <strong>Jesse Garcia (</strong><em>Flamin’ Hot</em>, <em>Narcos Mexico</em><strong>)</strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="ANNIE GONZALEZ RECEIVES THE LATIN HEAT RISING STAR AWARD" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AngwX7BYOeA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Other guests included Emmy Award-winning actor <strong>Terrence Terrell </strong>(<em>Giants</em>), NEFT Vodka&#8217;s Director of Business Development <strong>Enrique Velez</strong>, <strong>Brenda Herrera </strong>of The Herrera Agency, <strong>Gabriel Gonzalez </strong>of Grammy-winning band Quetzal, and <strong>Dr. Jose Luiz Ruiz</strong>, president of the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation, entertainment photographer <strong>Eddie Sakaki </strong>and <strong>Ruben Cardiel</strong> of the Raza Golf Club Association.</p>



<p><em>Featured Photo: Annie Gonzalez receives the Latin Heat Rising Star Award (Photo: Cesar Arredondo/Latin Heat)</em></p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/celebrating-a-rising-star/">Celebrating Rising Star Anie Gonzalez</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>The Gracies: Shining a spotlight on women in media</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/the-gracies-shining-a-spotlight-on-women-in-media/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-gracies-shining-a-spotlight-on-women-in-media</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[latinheat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2020 06:08:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alliance for Women in Media Foundation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brooklyn Nine Nine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Geena Davis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Julie Carmen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Katy Perry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nancy De Los Santos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stephanie Beatriz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Gracies]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging.latinheat.com/?p=53219</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Thursday, September 10, 2020 will see the virtual celebration of the 45th annual Gracie Awards, where Katy Perry,</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/the-gracies-shining-a-spotlight-on-women-in-media/">The Gracies: Shining a spotlight on women in media</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thursday, September 10, 2020 will see the virtual celebration of the 45th annual <a href="https://deadline.com/tag/gracie-awards/">Gracie Awards</a>, where <strong>Katy Perry, Geena Davis, Gayle King, Danai Gurira</strong> and <strong>Michelle Williams</strong> will be honored.</p>


<p>The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in radio, television, and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets. This year’s honorees represent the substance and ethos of women’s storytelling and journalism at its best.&nbsp; Their work during this global state of affairs – full of innovation, courage and endurance – serves as inspiration today for the journalists of tomorrow.</p>


<p>Among the presenters for the evening are <strong>Julie Carmen </strong><strong>Malin Akerman, Sanjay Gupta, Cassie DiLaura, Imani Walker</strong>,&nbsp; <strong>Elaina Doré</strong> and <strong>Angélica Vale</strong>. The Alliance for Women in Media are the organizers of the event and they have announced that <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> will be the evening’s Special Honoree and <strong>Mickey Guyton</strong> will perform.</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Among the honorees are:</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Izzie Pick Ibarra (THE MASKED SINGER)</strong></p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">FOX Broadcasting Company</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Showrunner – Unscripted</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Soledad O’Brien (American Injustice: A BET TOWN HALL)</strong></p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">BET Networks</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">On-Air Talent – News Special</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)</strong></p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Universal Television</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Actress in a Supporting Role – Comedy or Musical</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Latino USA (A Child Lost in Translation)</strong></p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Futuro Media Group</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Documentary [Radio – Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Children as passports, the phenomenon behind the humanitarian crisis on the border</strong></p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Univision Noticias Digital</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Website – New</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Extreme violence is driving Salvadoran girls to kill themselves</strong></p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Univision News Digital &amp; TIME</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">Original Online Programming – Standalone Video Hard News</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color">“Our leadership is proud to honor the best of the best who embody the spirit and intention of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s Gracie Awards. We want to thank those on the front lines telling the important stories still impacting our world.” said Becky Brooks, Executive Director, The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation.&nbsp; “It is our distinguished honor to recognize the reporters, hosts, producers and media executives who are working to ensure the public is informed. We know everyone in media has been impacted in some way, and we continue to salute this outstanding list of honorees for their award-winning passion, energy and perseverance.”</p>


<p class="has-black-color has-text-color"><strong>Nancy de Los Santos</strong>, one of the writers for the actual virtual show told us she was, “Excited to work on the production team of the first virtual awards”.  She lauded the producers <strong>Vic Bullock</strong> and <strong>Jeff Atlas</strong> for being, “&#8230;the masterminds in the complex schedule of over twenty awards and ten presenters, a tribute to front line journalists and musical performances.The Gracies will stream live on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allwomeninmedia/">AWMF’s Facebook page</a> beginning at 7 p.m. ET/PT.</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/the-gracies-shining-a-spotlight-on-women-in-media/">The Gracies: Shining a spotlight on women in media</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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