I knew I was a fan of Patricia Riggen’s work the moment I saw her directorial debut on the feature film, Under the Same Moon/La Misma Luna (2007). It resonated with me deeply—an emotionally charged immigrant story and a heartfelt Mexico/U.S. co-production that helped launch the U.S. careers of Eugenio Derbez (Miracles from Heaven, Instructions Not Included), Kate del Castillo (La Reina del Sur, Weeds), and, of course, Riggen herself. Since then, she’s steadily built a powerful résumé— Miracles from Heaven, The 33, Girl in Progress, proving time and again that she has the vision and talent to thrive in Hollywood. Now, with G20, her first action thriller starring Viola Davis, Riggen steps confidently into blockbuster territory, showing the world that high-octane storytelling belongs squarely on her directing card.

Patricia Riggen has long been celebrated as one of the most versatile and emotionally astute directors working in film and television today. Known for her humanistic storytelling and global perspective, the Mexican-born filmmaker has steadily built a career marked by empathy, authenticity, and bold vision. With the release of G20—a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled action thriller starring Viola Davis—Riggen stakes her claim in a genre traditionally dominated by male directors, proving once again that she is a creative force to be reckoned with.

As one of the few Latina directors in Hollywood to helm such a large-scale action feature, Riggen’s role behind the camera is more than symbolic—it’s transformative. G20 isn’t just a gripping movie; it’s a cultural milestone. It presents a female president who is both fierce and maternal, and it’s directed by a woman who has carved out space in one of cinema’s most testosterone-driven genres.

“Movies are culture changers,” Riggen said. “I set out to make a hugely entertaining film, but also to deliver a character that would inspire women all over the world to think big.”

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Riggen began her career in journalism and documentary filmmaking before transitioning into narrative storytelling. Her breakout feature, La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon, 2007), earned critical acclaim for its tender portrayal of a young boy’s journey across the U.S.-Mexico border to reunite with his mother. It was a deeply personal film that introduced Riggen’s signature style: heartfelt stories rooted in realism and told from underrepresented perspectives.

She followed that success with Girl in Progress (2012), a coming-of-age tale starring Eva Mendes, and then delivered the powerful Chilean mining drama The 33 (2015), based on the true story of 33 miners trapped underground for 69 days. The film showcased her ability to handle large-scale productions while preserving the intimacy of human emotion, something that would serve her well in the years to come.

Expanding Her Canvas: From Drama to Action

Riggen’s foray into television further broadened her scope. She directed several high-profile episodes of the hit Amazon series Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, diving into political intrigue and military tactics with a steady, assured hand. Her work on Hulu’s Dopesick—the critically acclaimed limited series starring Michael Keaton—garnered accolades for its powerful critique of America’s opioid crisis, cementing her status as a director capable of merging entertainment with social commentary.

But G20 marks a new chapter in Riggen’s career: an all-out, edge-of-your-seat action spectacle with a rich geopolitical core and an emotionally grounded heroine at its heart.

In G20, Riggen directs Academy Award winner Davis who plays U.S. President Danielle Sutton—a former combat veteran and mother of two, who finds herself leading a daring counteroffensive when heavily armed mercenaries attack the annual G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa. As world leaders are taken hostage and the global economy is pushed to the brink through high-tech manipulation, Sutton must rely on her wits, her training, and her grit to restore order and save lives.

Ramón Rodríguez plays Agent Manny Ruiz, a key figure in the efforts to thwart a terrorist takeover at the G20 summit in Cape Town, alongside Davis.

“G20 is the kind of film I’ve always wanted to make,” Riggen said in a recent interview. “A smart, international action thriller with a female lead who is strong, vulnerable, and deeply human. I saw the potential to say something meaningful while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.”

The film, written by Caitlin Parrish & Erica Weiss and Logan & Noah Miller, balances explosive action set pieces with moments of levity and emotional depth—a duality that Riggen handles with dexterity. Her collaboration with Davis, who also produced the film through her company JuVee Productions alongside husband Julius Tennon, was a creative match made in heaven.

“Patricia is really good at what she does,” Davis remarked. “She’s had a very specific journey as a director that allows her to bring a world perspective. That is absolute gold for an artist.”

Riggen brought her trademark authenticity to G20, grounding even the most high-octane moments in real-world research. She worked closely with military and technical advisors to ensure the depiction of the summit, the tactical operations, and the deep-fake digital threats were all rooted in plausible reality. Her goal was not only to entertain but also to inform and inspire.

In 2024 I interviewed her on the occasion of her receiving the Trailblazer in Directing award from the Mexican American Film & Television Festival & Awards.

Patricia Riggen’s G20 is now streaming globally on Prime Video. With this film, she doesn’t just direct an action movie—she directs a statement. And with her at the helm, it’s loud, clear, and thrilling from start to finish.

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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.

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Just finished watching House of Spoils. Ariana DeBose gives a solid performance as a driven ambitious chef trying to open a gourmet restaurant in an old house in the woods that just happens to be haunted by a witch who lived there before.

It’s an atmospheric thriller that evokes  Henry James‘ The Turn of the Screw and Tim Burton‘s  Sleepy Hollow.

DeBose’s kitchen is a chaotic nightmare  serving  some  questionable dishes.  After seeing some of the food served, I looked over at my wife and said: “We’re not going to this restaurant. How about  if we stay home and I fix us some migas?”

However, House of Spoils does serves up some tasty scary moments.

Have a great weekend.

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The Greatest Love Story Never Told follows Latina icon Jennifer Lopez as she embarks on her most daring and personal project – the creation of a new album and an original cinematic piece titled “This Is Me…Now.” The narrative takes the audience through her twenty-year career, exploring the highs and lows, triumphs, and challenges she faced. Unveiling her journey towards self-love, the film is a testament to Lopez’s determination to reclaim her narrative.

“The Greatest Love Story Never Told” grants unflinching access to Jennifer Lopez’s most personal moments. Through intimate interviews with her inner circle, including producing partners and longtime collaborators, the documentary paints a vulnerable portrait of an icon who puts it all on the line. Candid home moments showcase the real Jennifer Lopez, allowing audiences to witness her authenticity and resilience.

Directed by Jason Bergh and produced by team including Courtney Baxter, Gillian Brown, Lindsay Utz, and Stephan Bielecki, “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” is an Artists Equity production. Executive producers are Dani Bernfield and Jason Bergh, along with co-producers Caitlin Alba-Rothstein and Eliza Comer.

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James Beard award-winning chef José Andrés, known for his culinary expertise and philanthropy, is bringing a new kind of small-screen experience. In this special, Andrés hosts Jamie Lee Curtis, Bryan Cranston, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. for a casual gathering featuring Spanish-influenced recipes. The show stands out for its humor, vibrancy, and unpredictability as guests join Andrés in the kitchen, sharing stories and laughter. Unlike traditional cooking shows, Dinner Party Diaries embraces imperfections, providing viewers with practical takeaways for their own kitchens.

Executive produced by a team including José Andrés, Richard Wolffe, Matthew Goldberg, Ellen Rocamora, Max Wagner, Ryan Schiavo, and Michael Antinoro, Dinner Party Diaries with José Andrés is produced by Amazon MGM Studios. The special, inspired by Andrés’ work with World Central Kitchen, aims to celebrate the joy of food and cooking.

José Andrés, a renowned figure in the culinary world, has been twice named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People.” As the owner of the José Andrés Group, operating nearly 40 restaurants globally, Andrés is also recognized for founding World Central Kitchen in 2010. The nonprofit organization responds to crises by providing meals on the frontlines. Andrés’ humanitarian work has earned him prestigious awards, including the 2015 National Humanities Medal and the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

In 2023, Andrés founded the Global Food Institute at George Washington University and currently serves as the Co-Chair of President Biden’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. As a naturalized citizen from Spain, Andrés is a passionate advocate for immigration reform.

FOLLOW DINNER PARTY DIARIES WITH JOSÉ ANDRÉS

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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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Written by acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella and based on the book Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut by José Hernández.

The film also stars Rosa Salazar, Veronica Falcon, Julio Cesar Cedillo, Bobby Soto, and Eric Johnson. A Million Miles Away premieres on Amazon Prime on September 15th. Creating content by Latinos about Latinos for universal audiences.

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Mexican actor Gael García Bernal has been tapped to play gay amateur wrestler Saul Armendáriz Cassandro in a new Prime Video film.

The first images were just released by Prime Video of Bernal in costume, and leopard print, for his role as professional wrestler.

Armendáriz was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, but also spent a lot of time just across the Mexican border in Juárez, Chihuahua, his family’s native town where he competed at the highest levels in wrestling. In México, Armendáriz learned different techniques from other luchadores. He began his career in 1988..

Cassandro is written and directed by African-American Academy award winner Roger Ross Williams. David Teague and Julián Herbertt are also part of the writing team. The film also stars Roberta Colindrez, Perla De La Rosa, Gerardo Gatica, Joaquín Cosío, and Raúl Castillo.

Cassandro will Prime hit Prime Video in 2023.

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Thirty-somethings Peter (Day) and Emma (Slate) are two strangers who run into each other by happenstance on the same weekend where they both endured an emotional tragedy: they were both unexpectedly dumped by their respective partners, Anne (Rodriguez) and Noah (Eastwood). While commiserating together about their heartbreaks, Peter and Emma find out their exes have moved and found new loves. So the broken-hearted pair hatches a plan to break up their ex-partners’ romances, hoping to win their hearts back.

The cast also includes Manny Jacinto as Logan and Clark Backo as Ginny, Anne’s and Noah’s new significant others.

I Want You Back is directed by Jason Orley (Big Time Adolescence), Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger (Love, Simon writers; This Is Us co-showrunners). The film is produced by Peter Safran and John Rickard of The Safran Company and Aptaker and Berger of The Walk-r Up Company. Additional cast members include Mason Gooding, Dylan Gelula, Jami Gertz, Isabel May and Luke David Blumm.

The film will premiere exclusively on Prime Video Feb. 11 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

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