Latinos in the Movies

Para español clic aquí -> Latinos en el Cine

By Cody Downey

“In the Heights” was going to be the biggest Latino film of 2020. Directed by “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon Chu, the film featured an almost all-Latino cast in a story written by Latinos about Latinos. However, due to the spread of COVID-19, “In the Heights” will no longer be coming out this year.

Now moving to June 2021, 2020 has been left without one of the biggest films for Latino representation in years. Though nowhere near the same level as “In the Heights,” there are numerous films that do feature Latinos in prominent roles throughout the rest of this year. Here are some of the most prominent of these films. (Releases may move as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.)

Hamilton - July 3, 2020

Releasing in time for the celebration of the United States’ independence, “Hamilton” moves from its home on Broadway to the comfort of your homes via Disney+.

The film follows Alexander Hamilton, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, as he fights for independence against the British to eventually become one of the founding fathers of the United States. Instead of an adaptation of the musical, the film instead chooses to use recordings of previous performances.

One of the things that “Hamilton” is known for is their non-traditional casting, which has given the ability for Latino actors to participate in roles they previously wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play before. As previously stated, the film has Puerto Rican-American playwright and actor Miranda in the titular role. The film also stars Puerto Rican-American actor Anthony Ramos in dual roles as John Laurens and Phillip Hamilton.

Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo - July 7, 2020

We all know Danny Trejo from his appearances in “Spy Kids,” “From Dusk till Dawn” and “Machete.” But, in this new documentary, viewers will get to know more about Danny Trejo and how he got to be where he is.

Directed by Canadian documentarian Brett Harvey, “Inmate #1” tells the story of how Danny Trejo went from being in prison to be an extra in Hollywood. The film goes onto show how Trejo became an icon and changed what it meant to be a Latino in cinema.

Along with Trejo himself, the documentary will also feature prominent Latino celebrities such as director Robert Rodriguez, “Fast & Furious” actress Michelle Rodriguez and “Up in Smoke” actor Cheech Maron.

 

The Tax Collector - August 7, 2020

Helmed by “Suicide Squad” and “Bright” director David Ayer, “The Tax Collector” looks to take viewers on a gritty thriller following two “tax collectors” in Los Angeles.

David, played by “A Better Life” actor Bobby Soto, and Creeper, played by Shia LaBeouf, are “tax collectors” for a crime lord known as Wizard. However, with the return of Wizard’s rival, the pair’s jobs and lives are in jeopardy causing them to need to find a way to protect their families.

Being set in Los Angeles, it is to be expected to have a Latino cast, and “The Tax Collector” doesn’t disappoint. From “Once Upon a Time” actress Lana Parilla and “Predator” actress Elpidia Carrillo to comedian George Lopez and MMA fighter Brian Ortega, the amount of representation in this film is off the charts.

 

The One and Only Ivan - August 21, 2020

Adapting the award-winning children’s book, “The One and Only Ivan” looks to provide a new heartwarming tale for the current generation.

Ivan, voiced by Sam Rockwell, is a gorilla who lives in a cage on top of a mall with an elephant, voiced by Stella, and a dog, voiced by Danny DeVito but has no memory of how he got there. After the animals take in a young, abused elephant, they decide that things need to change for them.

With a film mostly starring animals, much of the human cast is made up of Latinos. Puerto Rican-American actor Ramon Rodriguez plays George, a custodian at the mall where Ivan and his friends live. Starring alongside Rodriguez, Puerto Rican-American actress Arianna Greenblatt will play Julia, George’s daughter who befriends the animals.

The New Mutants - August 28, 2020

After years of setbacks and reshoots, “The New Mutants” will conclude the “X-Men” franchise with a horror twist before being added into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A group of five young mutants from all over the world have been placed into a secret facility and are looked after by fellow mutant Cecilia Reyes, played by Alice Braga. However, the mutants discover that the facility isn’t exactly what it seems to be and plan to escape.

Special from many of the other superhero movies out there, half of the cast of this film is Latino. Brazilian Alice Braga plays the mutant’s mentor in the facility, who may be hiding something from them. Joining his fellow Brazilian, actor Henry Zaga plays the Brazilian mutant Roberto da Costa, who has the ability to control solar energy. Playing a non-Latino role, British-Argentine actress Anya Taylor-Joy plays Russian mutant Illyana Rasputin, who can teleport and wields a magic sword.

Wonder Woman 1984 - October 2, 2020

Bringing the most iconic female superhero to the big screen once again, “Wonder Woman 1984” takes the heroine to a new time for a new adventure.

Operating as Wonder Woman during the Cold War, Diana Prince, played by Gal Gadot, comes into conflict with new enemies Cheetah, played by Kristen Wiig, and Maxwell Lord, played by Pedro Pascal. As she prepares to battle these foes, Diana is also reunited with her believed dead lover Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine.

Taking a departure from his usual heroic roles in “Narcos” and “The Mandalorian,” Chilean American Pedro Pascal takes the role of media mogul Maxwell Lord. Lord is a constant foe of the Justice League in the comic books, having even killed some superheroes.

The French Dispatch - October 16, 2020

Bringing his unique and eccentric style back to the cinema, Wes Anderson returns with yet another quirky film in “The French Dispatch.”

Working for the French bureau of a Kansas newspaper, a group of American journalists covers a variety of events from the kidnapping of a police officer’s son, a student-led revolution, and the work of an incarcerated man.

Despite the film being set in France, this doesn’t mean that there is no Latino representation to be had. Puerto Rican actor Benicio del Toro plays Moses Rosenthaler, an artist serving a term in prison. Also appearing in the film is Guatemalan-American actor Tony Revolori in an undisclosed role once again working with Anderson after starring in “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”

Snake Eyes - October 23, 2020

Rebooting the iconic “G.I. Joe” franchise, “Snake Eyes” takes a look at the character who has been around for almost 40 years.

After the death of his father, Snake Eyes, played by Henry Golding, trains to become a ninja to seek revenge. Along the way, he will meet his rival and adversary Storm Shadow, played by Andrew Koji.

Taking on one of the most iconic villains from the “G.I. Joe” franchise, Spanish actress Ursula Corbero is set to play Baroness. The character is well-known for being a prominent member of the evil organization Cobra and constantly coming into conflict with the Joes.

West Side Story - December 18, 2020

Returning to the big screen almost 60 years after its’ first adaptation, “West Side Story” takes another look at these iconic star-crossed lovers.

In 1950s New York, Tony, played by Ansel Elgort, and Maria, played by Rachel Zegler, fall in love with each other. However, the two are torn due to their allegiances to rival street gangs, with Tony belonging to the mostly white Jets and Maria belonging to the mostly Puerto Rican Sharks.

Differing from its’ 1961 original, this version of “West Side Story” features more Latinos cast in the roles of the Sharks. Maria is played by Colombian American newcomer Rachel Zegler. Cuban-Candian performer David Alvarez will play the role of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. Afro-Latina Ariana DeBose will play Anita, the girlfriend of Bernardo. Even Rita Moreno, who won the Academy Award for playing Anita in the 1961 film, will appear in the film as Valentina, a reworking of the character Doc.

As you can see, just because “In the Heights” won’t be coming out this year doesn’t mean there will be no Latino representation in film. This list doesn’t include all the films with Latinos in supporting roles with high-profile films such as “No Time to Die” and “Monster Hunter.” It shows that slowly, but surely, Latinos are working their way into bigger and better roles in the film industry.

 

 

Domestic Wine Beyond California

By Rebeca Pinhas, CSW, CSWS

Para español clic aquí -> Vino Nacional Más Allá de California 

Although most people are familiar with Napa and Sonoma when it comes to domestic wine, there are some *246 legally defined wine-producing regions in the United States, known as AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), throughout 33 states. This is quite a bit of domestic winemaking! However, not many of them are known as destinations for wine tourism. 

After months of different degrees of quarantine, our family took a trip to Elijay, Georgia. Being the wine enthusiast, I am, I naturally researched wineries and vineyards in the area, and to my surprise, this town located some two hours north of Atlanta had plenty! Most were not only beautiful venues but also offered a family-friendly environment which allowed me to taste new wines while the little ones rolled down the hills. I wouldn’t say the wines were life-changing, but that does not mean they were not interesting, especially because they were grown and produced in a place that is not known for viticulture.     

Grapevines are not the easiest crop to grow, and in fact, quality grapes are only produced in zones located (roughly) between the 30 and 50 degrees of latitude, both north, and south. While most of the United States is located within those parameters, high humidity, extremely hot temperatures, and freezing winters rule out a great part of the territory. All that being said, grapes also manage to sneak their way into borderline regions, where certain varieties and even different species of vines (we will get to that in a moment) manage to survive and even thrive. If you take a walk down the French Quarter or even Uptown -as some acquaintances report-, you may find a vine here and there growing amok on walls and iron gates. 

Most wine produced worldwide utilizes the Vitis vinifera species, which is of European origin, but native North American species like Vitis labrusca (mostly for table grapes and grape juice production) and Vitis rotundifolia (used to produce wine) grow around the country. While in Georgia, I was able to taste for the first-time wines made from native grape varieties like Muscadine, and hybrids (the offspring of two different species) like Seyval Blanc. In general, wines made from these grapes are a little rougher on the palate, but many wineries have evolved and become able to create more refined wines from native varieties and hybrids. 

So, if you ever want to plan a family-friendly trip to wine country, look for those areas that may not be as known and will offer both great value and something different to taste. 

Salud!   

To learn more about wine and book a wine class by the glass, visit vinomomnola.com

 

El día de hoy, la alcaldesa LaToya Cantrell anunció un Programa de Asistencia a la Comunidad de Inmigrantes, el cual proporcionará $750,000 para asistencia financiera inmediata a los trabajadores inmigrantes de Nueva Orleans, quienes han sido los más afectados por la pandemia de COVID-19.

“Hemos notado que el brote de COVID-19 tuvo un impacto directo especialmente en nuestras comunidades más vulnerables, lo cual generó que nuestra comunidad de inmigrantes sea afectada de manera desproporcionada. Hemos trabajado con diligencia con colaboradores públicos y privados durante la crisis con el fin de reunir los recursos necesarios para brindar asistencia financiera a aquellos que más la necesitan. Este es otro ejemplo del compromiso que tenemos para apoyar a todos los trabajadores que son el centro de la economía de nuestra ciudad”, dijo la alcaldesa Cantrell.

El objetivo es ayudar a unas 500 familias con una asistencia financiera directa. Muchas familias estuvieron sin trabajo por meses y han acumulado una deuda equivalente a tres meses de trabajo. Como consecuencia, el programa les brindará pagos de $1,000 a las familias, así como pagos pequeños a las organizaciones comunitarias que ayuden a administrar los fondos.

El programa, el cual lo administra el Fondo de la Alcaldesa, Forward Together New Orleans, en conjunto con la Oficina de Jóvenes y Familias del Alcalde, se hizo posible gracias a una donación de la Open Society Foundations (OSF). Luego del Huracán Katrina, la Ciudad de Nueva Orleans recibió aproximadamente a 20,000 residentes nuevos de distintos países latinoamericanos, principalmente México, Honduras, Guatemala y Nicaragua. Aproximadamente un 21 por ciento de aquellos residentes nuevos vivían por debajo de la línea de pobreza previo al COVID-19, y la pandemia redujo la capacidad de recibir un ingreso de aquellas personas que se encuentran en los rubros de la construcción, la hospitalidad y los trabajos domésticos.

A pesar de llevarse la peor parte de la pandemia, a estas comunidades se las excluyó de la asistencia del gobierno federal. Esta iniciativa les brindará pagos directos en efectivo a los habitantes más vulnerables de la ciudad.

El dinero es parte de una iniciativa global de $130 millones otorgada por la OSF para hacerles frente a los efectos causados por COVID-19 en las comunidades vulnerables alrededor del mundo.

“La ciudad de Nueva Orleans ocupa un lugar especial en mi corazón. Más allá de los problemas por los que pasó esta ciudad, del Huracán Katrina al Derrame de petróleo de la plataforma Deepwater Horizon, sus ciudadanos siempre están preparados para luchar con un sentido inagotable de optimismo y adaptación. Open Society Foundations lleva una larga historia en esta ciudad, apoyando la justicia social por medio del arte, trabajando para reformar el sistema de justicia penal y apoyando el periodismo independiente”, indicó Patrick Gaspard, Presidente de la Open Society Foundations. “El día de hoy, en la lucha contra el COVID-19, la Open Society recibe la oportunidad de asistir a los trabajadores inmigrantes de Nueva Orleans, quienes vinieron a la ciudad luego del Huracán Katrina para ayudar a reconstruirla, y quienes sufrieron un duro impacto por la pandemia de COVID. Destacamos a la alcaldesa Cantrell por su apoyo incondicional a estos trabajadores. Reconocemos que estas subvenciones son solo el comienzo y seguiremos proponiendo subvenciones federales y estatales para trabajadores en tiempos de crisis”.

La Oficina de Jóvenes y Familias de la Alcaldesa tiene un grupo de trabajo establecido de organizaciones comunitarias sin fines de lucro y otros accionistas con raíces profundas en la comunidad inmigrante de la ciudad. En sociedad con estos grupos y patrocinadores similares, el Programa de Asistencia a la Comunidad de Inmigrantes espera crear la infraestructura para ofrecer asistencia a corto plazo a las personas que fueron ignoradas por los gobiernos federales y estatales al momento de brindar asistencia.