By Nancy De Los Santos Reza
Special to the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol
Throughout the century of movie-making, many Latinos have shone their light onto the silver screen, including Dolores Del Rio, once known as the most beautiful woman in Hollywood, Anthony Quinn, in his Oscar-nominated lead role of “Zorba the Greek,” and Edward James Olmos, in his Oscar-nominated portrayal of a math teacher in “Stand and Deliver.”
Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when our nation celebrates the rich history, culture and contributions of the Latino community.
And we applaud the stardust offered by the many Hispanic entertainers who have graced the stage and screen, including Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony honoree Rita Moreno, as well as her superstar contemporary, Jennifer Lopez. Kudos to Desi Arnaz, the screen and real-life husband and business partner of comedic genius Lucille Ball, who created the three-camera setup that is still used today to record television comedies. His keen business sense was the foundation of the successful Desilu Productions.
While looking toward Hollywood this month, there is currently a spotlight on some Latino-themed movies that are available for you to watch in the comfort of your own home.
“Under the Same Moon” stars Mexican telenovela star Kate Del Castillo as a mother who leaves her child in the care of her elder mother in Mexico to work in the United States. After a few years, her mother passes away, and, left alone, her 12-year-old son journeys to reunite with his mother.
The dramatic tearjerker, with surprising comic moments, is available on Roku, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube Movies.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, “Luminarias”tells the story of four professional women who share secrets about their careers, family and love. They support each other through marriages, divorces and various romantic relationships. Now in their late 30s, the quartet of professionals – a lawyer, a therapist, a designer and an artist – is looking for love in the City of Angels, and having a hard time finding the right angel.
Directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, the movie was written by Evelina Fernandez and has just become available on Amazon Prime.
Newly released, “Tres Sisters” is a family affair, featuring three estranged Mexican-American sisters who commit to honoring their grandmother by tracing her footsteps from her hometown in Mexico to the U.S. Along the way, they attempt to mend their own relationships. The movie stars newcomers Maya Zapata, Virginia Novello, Valeria Maldonado and Mexican actor Cristo Fernández, known for his work in the comedy series “Ted Lasso” as soccer player Dani Rojas, who believes, “Soccer is life.”
“Tres Sisters” is now streaming on Starz, Hulu, Sling TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fubo TV, the Roku Channel, Fandango at Home and Apple TV.
“A Million Miles Away,” based on the true story of José Hernandez, who, as a child, looked up at the stars while working with his family in the fields, and set his sights on space. Hernandez became a NASA engineer and, after countless attempts, was accepted into the space program. Watch the film to see if he makes the trip around the world.
Directed by Alejandra Marquez Abella and written by Bettina Gilois, Hernán Jiménez and Abella, this feel-good movie is now available on The Roku Channel, Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
Also new on the big screen is “Say A Little Prayer,” which offers the acting debut of international singing sensation Luis Fonsi as the romantic lead in this rom-com with a Latina heart. The movie stars Vannessa Vasquez, Jackie Cruz and Vivian Lamolli as three best friends who recite an ancient prayer to San Antonio, the patron saint of all things lost. The prayer promised to help one find lost objects, lost pets and also help one find a “worthy husband.” The three amigas recite the prayer with hopes of finding true love, but instead, their lives are turned upside down and their friendships are put to the test.
Set in San Antonio, Texas, the movie features music by Tejano musician Shelly Lares, Texas pop rock band The Last Bandoleos and Los Angeles-based Nancy Sanchez. Fonsi, who wrote and performed the mega hit, “Despacito,” also contributes to the soundtrack, with his first-ever English-language song, “The Prayer in Your Eyes.”
Written by Nancy De Los Santos, directed by Patrick Perez Vidauri and produced by Cristina Nava, the movie is now available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play/YouTube Movies and Comcast Cable networks.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at home with some popcorn in your favorite chair, and enjoy the movies that have brought the U.S. Latino experience to the big screen.