It’s an exciting time to be Latino in Hollywood. Slowly but surely the days of fighting over limited stereotypical roles seem to be getting further away. Not only have opportunities for actors grown but now there is a new generation of Latino directors, writers and producers taking on the work of telling our stories with an air of much needed authenticity. We scoured the film landscape and found some films that not only have a Latino star, but dig a little deeper and explore themes of the Latino experience. Here are ‘LLERO’s picks of must see Latino films in 2014.
Gloria
Now Playing
Being single has its challenges, especially for a Chilean woman in her 50s. Chilean director Sebastián Lelio creates a film that does just that. Gloria, the film’s main character, attempts to navigate mature singledom by filling her lonely nights at the social clubs where she meets Rodolfo. Her intense affair with him takes her on an emotional rollercoaster, which leaves her wondering if it is better to be alone than mal acompañada.
Why you should see it: It was risky for Lelio to direct a film whose success rises or falls on its main character, played by Chilean actress Paulina García. However, after winning Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival last year we’re confident she was able to pull it off.
Cesar Chavez
March 28th
Directed by Diego Luna this biopic tells the story of Cesar Chavez, legendary Mexican-American civil-rights activist and United Farm Workers co-founder.
Why you should see it: It is not often we have a Latino story told for us by us. Having Luna direct along with the all-star Latino cast, makes for an authentic and powerful film to truly pay homage to a Latino hero. The cast includes Michael Peña as Cesar Chavez, America Ferrera as Helen Chavez and Rosario Dawson as Dolores Huerta.
Aloft
March 28th
Peruvian filmmaker Claudia Llosa returns to the Berlin Film Festival this February with her latest opus, Aloft. Starring Jennifer Connelly, the film tells the story of a struggling mother, Nana Kunning (Connelly) and her journey to becoming a successful artist and healer.
Why you should see it: Llosa has been making noise since her debut Madinusa first made a mark at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006 garnering her awards and worldwide screenings. Her critically acclaimed film, The Milk of Sorrow, received the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival in 2009. We see a pattern here.
The Third Side of the River
May 8th
This coming-of-age drama is the fourth film from Argentine director Celina Murga (Ana and the Others and A Week Alone). The film depicts the struggle of a 16-year-old boy deciding whether to obey his father or become his own man and go his own way. Not only does it speak to the youth perspective but even further to the universal journey of moving outside of one’s comfort zone in order to grow as a person and forming your own opinions about life.
Why you should see it: It’s got Scorsese’ cosign as he serves as executive producer of the film and was Murga’s mentor.
Chef
May 9th
Jon Favreau (Swingers, Iron Man) writes, directs and stars in this ensemble comedy. Things spiral out of control quickly for Chef Carl Casper when he suddenly loses his restaurant job. He then opens up a food truck in an effort to regain his creative mojo as well as his estranged family. It’s got a cast of heavyweights including Dustin Hoffman and Robert Downey, Jr., but it’s got some Latino heavy hitters as well in the form of Sofia Vergara and John Leguizamo.
Why you should see it: Vergara gets to show off more of the comedic genius that we’ve come to love her for in Modern Family alongside the Ghetto Klown himself Leguizamo.
Hands of Stone
Coming Soon
Stories of our people seem to be a theme this year. Venezuelan director Jonathan Jakubowicz tells the story of legendary Panamanian boxer Roberto ‘Manos de Piedra’ Duran and the father-son dynamic his trainer Ray Arcel and how boxing changed both their lives.
Why you should see it: While Duran is best known for his historic fights with Sugar Ray Leonard, which have been covered already; this film goes beyond that chapter of his life and career providing a more in-depth look at Duran as a person and the relationship he built with his trainer. Plus, with Robert De Niro cast as Arcel you can’t lose.
Photo Credits:
Chef film – Merrick Morton
Hands of Stone film – ©Splash News