Exclusive: Gloria Estefan is set to be featured in Revolution’s Daughter, a documentary that delves into the lives and experiences of people who were impacted by the Fidel Castro era in Cuba. The deceased dictator’s daughter Alina Fernandez is a central subject in the doc and also an executive producer.
Deadline has your first look at the project in the video above.
“A bond formed with Alina from our shared Cuban roots, yet etched with our distinct experiences, speaks volumes of our kinship beyond political lines, Estefan shared in an exclusive statement to Deadline.
She continued, “Years ago, Alina’s daughter, Alina Salgado, was a lead dancer on one of my tours, symbolizing a deeper connection — a melding of generations bridging Cuba’s complex past. The collaboration wasn’t just about music; it was a celebration of liberty, an homage to the brave like Alina [Fernandez], who pursued freedom from her father’s dictatorship.
Deadline has your first look at the project in the video above.
“A bond formed with Alina from our shared Cuban roots, yet etched with our distinct experiences, speaks volumes of our kinship beyond political lines, Estefan shared in an exclusive statement to Deadline.
She continued, “Years ago, Alina’s daughter, Alina Salgado, was a lead dancer on one of my tours, symbolizing a deeper connection — a melding of generations bridging Cuba’s complex past. The collaboration wasn’t just about music; it was a celebration of liberty, an homage to the brave like Alina [Fernandez], who pursued freedom from her father’s dictatorship.
- 12/7/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
James Franco will play a U.S. Navy sailor stationed in post-World War II Naples, where he fathers a child, in gritty Italian drama “Hey Joe.” Directed by Claudio Giovannesi, the film is now shooting in the southern port city.
Franco, who has recently been taking roles outside the U.S. following a now-settled 2019 lawsuit alleging that he sexually exploited young women who took his acting class, will be speaking both English and Italian to play the lead in “Hey Joe,” said producer Carlo Degli Esposti, head of Italy’s prominent Palomar shingle. Degli Esposti added that Palomar got a waiver from SAG-AFTRA for Franco to work on the film “since we are an indie production.”
In “Hey Joe,” Franco plays Dean Barry, an American sailor who in 1944, at age 23, disembarks in Naples which has been destroyed by bombing. He falls in love with a young, very poor, local woman named Lucia.
Franco, who has recently been taking roles outside the U.S. following a now-settled 2019 lawsuit alleging that he sexually exploited young women who took his acting class, will be speaking both English and Italian to play the lead in “Hey Joe,” said producer Carlo Degli Esposti, head of Italy’s prominent Palomar shingle. Degli Esposti added that Palomar got a waiver from SAG-AFTRA for Franco to work on the film “since we are an indie production.”
In “Hey Joe,” Franco plays Dean Barry, an American sailor who in 1944, at age 23, disembarks in Naples which has been destroyed by bombing. He falls in love with a young, very poor, local woman named Lucia.
- 10/19/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
“Beneath the Grass,” a drama about the criminal justice system and marijuana incarceration rates, will hit the market at the Cannes Film Festival next week.
Mía Maestro, Quincy Isaiah and Jeff Kober will lead the film, which begins production next month in New Jersey. Paradigm is representing worldwide sales for the film.
“Beneath the Grass” is set in 2008, capturing both the economic recession and the “Yes We Can” summer, and follows a single Latina mother whose illegal marijuana business is jeopardized when her young son befriends the new neighbors, a young white boy and his police officer grandfather.
According to production research, in 2008, Latino people were four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people, while Black people were seven times more likely. Despite marijuana legalization in several states in the years since, the research explains, arrest rates have risen with racial disparities still prevalent.
Conscious Contact Entertainment...
Mía Maestro, Quincy Isaiah and Jeff Kober will lead the film, which begins production next month in New Jersey. Paradigm is representing worldwide sales for the film.
“Beneath the Grass” is set in 2008, capturing both the economic recession and the “Yes We Can” summer, and follows a single Latina mother whose illegal marijuana business is jeopardized when her young son befriends the new neighbors, a young white boy and his police officer grandfather.
According to production research, in 2008, Latino people were four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white people, while Black people were seven times more likely. Despite marijuana legalization in several states in the years since, the research explains, arrest rates have risen with racial disparities still prevalent.
Conscious Contact Entertainment...
- 5/11/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Mankind Entertainment feature starring Ana Villafane, James Franco is in post.
Mankind Entertainment has hired music producer, composer and songwriter Carlos José Alvarez to score Castro’s Daughter, which UTA Independent Film Group’s Alex Brunner represents for worldwide sales and has begun talks with buyers heading into the Cannes market.
As previously announced Ana Villafane plays the lead role opposite James Franco as Castro. The project shot on location in Colombia doubling for Castro-era Havana and is in post. Global sales talks continue with an eye towards having the film ready for Venice and Toronto.
Miguel Bardem directs the...
Mankind Entertainment has hired music producer, composer and songwriter Carlos José Alvarez to score Castro’s Daughter, which UTA Independent Film Group’s Alex Brunner represents for worldwide sales and has begun talks with buyers heading into the Cannes market.
As previously announced Ana Villafane plays the lead role opposite James Franco as Castro. The project shot on location in Colombia doubling for Castro-era Havana and is in post. Global sales talks continue with an eye towards having the film ready for Venice and Toronto.
Miguel Bardem directs the...
- 4/30/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Mankind Entertainment feature starring Ana Villafane, James Franco is in post.
Latin Grammy-winning music producer Carlos José Alvarez has been hired by Mankind Entertainment to score Castro’s Daughter, which UTA Independent Film Group’s Alex Brunner represents for worldwide sales and has begun talks with buyers heading into the Cannes market.
As previously announced Ana Villafane plays the lead role opposite James Franco as Castro. The project shot on location in Colombia doubling for Castro-era Havana and is in post. Global sales talks continue with an eye towards having the film ready for Venice and Toronto.
Miguel Bardem directs...
Latin Grammy-winning music producer Carlos José Alvarez has been hired by Mankind Entertainment to score Castro’s Daughter, which UTA Independent Film Group’s Alex Brunner represents for worldwide sales and has begun talks with buyers heading into the Cannes market.
As previously announced Ana Villafane plays the lead role opposite James Franco as Castro. The project shot on location in Colombia doubling for Castro-era Havana and is in post. Global sales talks continue with an eye towards having the film ready for Venice and Toronto.
Miguel Bardem directs...
- 4/30/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Veteran producers William Shockley and Tom Brady have partnered with Allen Gilmer and Riki Rushing to launch Thunderbird Pictures, a new production company to have a presence in both Los Angeles and Austin, TX.
Thunderbird’s launch was teased last month at SXSW, where the company served as the official awards sponsor of the inaugural Thunderbird Rising Award, presenting prizes to first-time directors Paris Zarcilla (Raging Grace) and Brittany Snow (Parachute). The quartet will be joined at the banner by Head of Casting, Tiiu Loigu; Head of Business Development, Jason Chilton; production exec Robert Abdou; and Chief Financial Officer Aldo Waker.
Thunderbird’s initial slate of films includes the Miguel Bardem-directed drama Castro’s Daughter (fka Alina of Cuba), starring James Franco and Ana Villafane, which was produced in partnership with Mankind Entertainment, and is now in post-production; the follow-up documentary Revolution’s Daughter, directed by Thaddeus Matula,...
Thunderbird’s launch was teased last month at SXSW, where the company served as the official awards sponsor of the inaugural Thunderbird Rising Award, presenting prizes to first-time directors Paris Zarcilla (Raging Grace) and Brittany Snow (Parachute). The quartet will be joined at the banner by Head of Casting, Tiiu Loigu; Head of Business Development, Jason Chilton; production exec Robert Abdou; and Chief Financial Officer Aldo Waker.
Thunderbird’s initial slate of films includes the Miguel Bardem-directed drama Castro’s Daughter (fka Alina of Cuba), starring James Franco and Ana Villafane, which was produced in partnership with Mankind Entertainment, and is now in post-production; the follow-up documentary Revolution’s Daughter, directed by Thaddeus Matula,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The lengthy, successful career of Miguel Bosé is making its way to streaming. On Thursday, Dec. 1, Paramount+ is set to release Bosé in the United States, a new six-episode series that gives an inside look at the Spanish icon’s life and legacy as a musician.
“They are obsessed with calling me a druggie and a queen,” Bosé says in a trailer released Wednesday, flashing images of him at parties, having sex, and getting his blood drawn. “And if I was an addict, so what? And if I was a faggot,...
“They are obsessed with calling me a druggie and a queen,” Bosé says in a trailer released Wednesday, flashing images of him at parties, having sex, and getting his blood drawn. “And if I was an addict, so what? And if I was a faggot,...
- 12/1/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Cannes — Paramount+ has revealed a premiere date – Nov. 3 – as well as trailer and key art for “Bosé,” a biopic of the famed Spanish singer-songwriter Miguel Bosé which is shaping up as one of Spain’s biggest and most anticipated series of 2022.
Shared in exclusivity with Variety, the trailer, like the version glimpsed at Iberseries in one of that market’s biggest sneak peeks, captures Bosé’s art – a mix between David Bowie glam and sexual ambiguity and softer Italian melody.
It also drive into what looks like the emotional heart and narrative structure of the story, showing Miguel Bosé (played by Iván Sánchez and José Pastor), in a present-day timeline during the promotion of his multi-platinum album “Papito,” as he debates becoming a father.
Here he must reconcile himself with memories of his own padre, famed philandering bullfighter Luis Miguel Dominguín, whom Bosé loved but who despised his son for not being a real hombre.
Shared in exclusivity with Variety, the trailer, like the version glimpsed at Iberseries in one of that market’s biggest sneak peeks, captures Bosé’s art – a mix between David Bowie glam and sexual ambiguity and softer Italian melody.
It also drive into what looks like the emotional heart and narrative structure of the story, showing Miguel Bosé (played by Iván Sánchez and José Pastor), in a present-day timeline during the promotion of his multi-platinum album “Papito,” as he debates becoming a father.
Here he must reconcile himself with memories of his own padre, famed philandering bullfighter Luis Miguel Dominguín, whom Bosé loved but who despised his son for not being a real hombre.
- 10/17/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
James Franco’s casting as Fidel Castro in the upcoming period piece “Alina of Cuba: La Hija Rebelde” has caused major backlash, but the Oscar nominee has one important supporter: Castro’s daughter, Alina Fernández.
“James Franco has an obvious physical resemblance with Fidel Castro, besides his skills and charisma,” Fernández told Deadline of the “This Is the End” star portraying her Communist leader father.
“The project is almost entirely Latino, both in front and behind the camera,” Fernández added, citing Franco’s Portuguese heritage. “I find the selection of the cast amazing. The filmmakers worked a lot and I can’t be more grateful to them for their overall inclusive selection.”
For “Alina of Cuba,” Fernández will be played by Ana Villafañe, with Mía Maestro starring as Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the socialite whom Castro had an affair with, resulting in the birth of Fernández.
The film, directed by Miguel Bardem...
“James Franco has an obvious physical resemblance with Fidel Castro, besides his skills and charisma,” Fernández told Deadline of the “This Is the End” star portraying her Communist leader father.
“The project is almost entirely Latino, both in front and behind the camera,” Fernández added, citing Franco’s Portuguese heritage. “I find the selection of the cast amazing. The filmmakers worked a lot and I can’t be more grateful to them for their overall inclusive selection.”
For “Alina of Cuba,” Fernández will be played by Ana Villafañe, with Mía Maestro starring as Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the socialite whom Castro had an affair with, resulting in the birth of Fernández.
The film, directed by Miguel Bardem...
- 8/8/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
It wasn’t a great week for Latinos in Hollywood, but I’m sure many of you knew that already.
Between Warner Bros. axing the release of “Batgirl” starring Leslie Grace, HBO Max canceling the coming-of-age comedy TV series “The Gordita Chronicles” and James Franco being cast as Cuban dictator Fidel Castro in an upcoming feature, Latinos are being mercilessly discarded and overlooked in the entertainment business. Worse yet, not many seem to care.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav addressed the controversial “Batgirl” decision during this week’s company earnings call, saying, “we’re not going to put a movie out unless we believe in it.”
Zaslav may not have realized how much truth he shared in that sentence.
Indeed, Hollywood doesn’t believe in Latino stories, creators or feelings. That’s a fair assumption based on our treatment in the business up to this point. However, this isn...
Between Warner Bros. axing the release of “Batgirl” starring Leslie Grace, HBO Max canceling the coming-of-age comedy TV series “The Gordita Chronicles” and James Franco being cast as Cuban dictator Fidel Castro in an upcoming feature, Latinos are being mercilessly discarded and overlooked in the entertainment business. Worse yet, not many seem to care.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav addressed the controversial “Batgirl” decision during this week’s company earnings call, saying, “we’re not going to put a movie out unless we believe in it.”
Zaslav may not have realized how much truth he shared in that sentence.
Indeed, Hollywood doesn’t believe in Latino stories, creators or feelings. That’s a fair assumption based on our treatment in the business up to this point. However, this isn...
- 8/7/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Fidel Castro’s daughter, Alina Fernández, has emphasized to Deadline her endorsement of James Franco playing her Cuban leader revolutionary father in the upcoming independent feature, Alina of Cuba.
She is also proud that “the project is almost entirely Latino, both in front and behind the camera.”
“James Franco has an obvious physical resemblance with Fidel Castro, besides his skills and charisma,” said Fernández about the 127 Hours Oscar nominated actor of Portuguese heritage.
Fernández will be played in Alina of Cuba by Ana Villafañe.
Deadline told you first that Franco would play Castro, Villafañe as Fernández and Mía Maestro as her mother Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban-born socialite who El Comandante has a passionate love affair with. The movie which is directed by Miguel Bardem and scripted by Oscar-nominated scribe Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, follows the true story of Cuban exile-turned-social advocate Fernandez,...
She is also proud that “the project is almost entirely Latino, both in front and behind the camera.”
“James Franco has an obvious physical resemblance with Fidel Castro, besides his skills and charisma,” said Fernández about the 127 Hours Oscar nominated actor of Portuguese heritage.
Fernández will be played in Alina of Cuba by Ana Villafañe.
Deadline told you first that Franco would play Castro, Villafañe as Fernández and Mía Maestro as her mother Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban-born socialite who El Comandante has a passionate love affair with. The movie which is directed by Miguel Bardem and scripted by Oscar-nominated scribe Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, follows the true story of Cuban exile-turned-social advocate Fernandez,...
- 8/7/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
After expressing his outrage over James Franco being cast as Fidel Castro in the independent feature drama Alina of Cuba, Primetime Emmy winner John Leguizamo has expounded on his stance regarding Hollywood casting non-Latinos in Latino roles. Specifically, in an Instagram post earlier today, he says “Alright, look, I got no problems with James Franco, yo, Ok?” while explaining, “I grew up in a era where Latin people couldn’t play Latin people on film.”
Also earlier today, Alina of Cuba producer John Martinez O’Felan released a statement defending the casting of Franco who is of Latin-Portuguese heritage and responding to Leguizamo’s initial protest, saying “I want to point out that his odd comments, if you base them on genealogy, are a blind attack and lack any factual substance.”
Deadline first told you about Franco playing El Comandante in the Miguel Bardem directed Alina of Cuba from Oscar-nominated scribe...
Also earlier today, Alina of Cuba producer John Martinez O’Felan released a statement defending the casting of Franco who is of Latin-Portuguese heritage and responding to Leguizamo’s initial protest, saying “I want to point out that his odd comments, if you base them on genealogy, are a blind attack and lack any factual substance.”
Deadline first told you about Franco playing El Comandante in the Miguel Bardem directed Alina of Cuba from Oscar-nominated scribe...
- 8/7/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
When news broke this week that James Franco would be playing former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro in the upcoming film “Alina of Cuba: La Hija Rebelde” from director Miguel Bardem, it was bound to generate some controversy. From the politically sensitive subject matter to past allegations against Franco, the film seemed destined to be a public relations lightning rod. But many have taken issue with one particular aspect of the film: the fact that Franco is playing a Latino man despite being white.
One of the loudest voices against the casting has been “Encanto” star John Leguizamo, who took to Instagram to slam the casting decision.
“How is this still going on?” Leguizamo wrote. “How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott! This F’d up! Plus seriously difficult story to tell without aggrandizement, which would b wrong! I don...
One of the loudest voices against the casting has been “Encanto” star John Leguizamo, who took to Instagram to slam the casting decision.
“How is this still going on?” Leguizamo wrote. “How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott! This F’d up! Plus seriously difficult story to tell without aggrandizement, which would b wrong! I don...
- 8/6/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Following criticisms by John Leguizamo of James Franco’s casting as Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro in the independent film Alina of Cuba, producer John Martinez O’Felan has responded, calling the comments “culturally uneducated.”
Set to be directed by Miguel Bardem and based on a script written by Jose Rivera and Nilo Cruz, Franco stars opposite Mía Maestro, who portrays Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, a Cuban-born socialite with whom Castro becomes romantically entwined. The film is based on the true-life story of Alina Fernandez — played by Ana Villafañe — a Cuban exile turned social advocate who learns at age 10 that she is Castro’s daughter.
Leguizamo, a Colombian American actor who wrote and performed the Broadway production Latin History for Morons, took to Instagram on Friday to slam the decision to cast Franco, questioning why Hollywood is “excluding” the Latinx community and notes that a film...
Following criticisms by John Leguizamo of James Franco’s casting as Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro in the independent film Alina of Cuba, producer John Martinez O’Felan has responded, calling the comments “culturally uneducated.”
Set to be directed by Miguel Bardem and based on a script written by Jose Rivera and Nilo Cruz, Franco stars opposite Mía Maestro, who portrays Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, a Cuban-born socialite with whom Castro becomes romantically entwined. The film is based on the true-life story of Alina Fernandez — played by Ana Villafañe — a Cuban exile turned social advocate who learns at age 10 that she is Castro’s daughter.
Leguizamo, a Colombian American actor who wrote and performed the Broadway production Latin History for Morons, took to Instagram on Friday to slam the decision to cast Franco, questioning why Hollywood is “excluding” the Latinx community and notes that a film...
- 8/6/2022
- by Lexy Perez and Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Leguizamo took to Instagram to speak out against the recent casting of James Franco as Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro in the upcoming independent film, “Alina of Cuba.” Variety confirmed Franco’s casting on Aug. 4. “Alina of Cuba” is directed by Miguel Bardem, based on a script written by Jose Rivera and Nilo Cruz.
“How is this still going on?” Leguizamo asked his Instagram followers about Franco being cast as the Cuban historical figure. “How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott! This F’d up! Plus seriously difficult story to tell without aggrandizement, which would be wrong! I don’t got a [problem] with Franco but he ain’t Latino!”
“Alina of Cuba” is slated to begin production on Aug. 15, with the crew shooting in Colombia. Franco will star opposite Ana Villafañe, who portrays the title character Alina Fernandez, Castro’s daughter.
“How is this still going on?” Leguizamo asked his Instagram followers about Franco being cast as the Cuban historical figure. “How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott! This F’d up! Plus seriously difficult story to tell without aggrandizement, which would be wrong! I don’t got a [problem] with Franco but he ain’t Latino!”
“Alina of Cuba” is slated to begin production on Aug. 15, with the crew shooting in Colombia. Franco will star opposite Ana Villafañe, who portrays the title character Alina Fernandez, Castro’s daughter.
- 8/5/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
James Franco has landed the role of Fidel Castro in “Alina of Cuba,” an independent film about the Cuban revolutionary’s daughter, Alina Fernandez.
The project is the latest of multiple live-action films the actor has recently signed on to, ending the hiatus he took following accusations of sexual misconduct 2018 and 2019. Last month, he booked a leading role in post-World War II drama “Me, You” with Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob.
Starring Ana Villafañe as Fernandez, “Alina of Cuba” recounts the true story of her exile from Cuba and eventual turn to social advocacy. As previously announced, Mía Maestro will play Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban socialite whose affair with Castro resulted in the birth of their daughter.
Also Read:
James Franco Addresses Sexual Misconduct Accusations, Admits Sleeping With Students in His Acting School (Video)
Fernandez, who learned of her father’s identity at age 10, eventually became one of his most outspoken critics.
The project is the latest of multiple live-action films the actor has recently signed on to, ending the hiatus he took following accusations of sexual misconduct 2018 and 2019. Last month, he booked a leading role in post-World War II drama “Me, You” with Tom Hollander and Daisy Jacob.
Starring Ana Villafañe as Fernandez, “Alina of Cuba” recounts the true story of her exile from Cuba and eventual turn to social advocacy. As previously announced, Mía Maestro will play Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban socialite whose affair with Castro resulted in the birth of their daughter.
Also Read:
James Franco Addresses Sexual Misconduct Accusations, Admits Sleeping With Students in His Acting School (Video)
Fernandez, who learned of her father’s identity at age 10, eventually became one of his most outspoken critics.
- 8/4/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
James Franco has been cast as Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro in the independent film “Alina of Cuba,” Variety has confirmed.
Franco joins the previously announced Ana Villafañe, who portrays the title character Alina Fernandez, Castro’s daughter. In addition, Mía Maestro has also joined the cast as Alina’s mother Natalia Revuelta, the Cuban socialite who gave birth to her after an affair with Castro. The film will follow Alina’s life as Castro’s illegitimate daughter and a critic of his reign in Cuba before leaving the country and defecting to Spain in 1993. Franco’s casting was supported by the real life Fernandez, who is serving the production as an on-set creative and biographical consultant.
Franco’s casting comes less than a month after the announcement that the actor will appear in the post-war drama “Me, You” from British director Billie August. The films represent a return for Franco...
Franco joins the previously announced Ana Villafañe, who portrays the title character Alina Fernandez, Castro’s daughter. In addition, Mía Maestro has also joined the cast as Alina’s mother Natalia Revuelta, the Cuban socialite who gave birth to her after an affair with Castro. The film will follow Alina’s life as Castro’s illegitimate daughter and a critic of his reign in Cuba before leaving the country and defecting to Spain in 1993. Franco’s casting was supported by the real life Fernandez, who is serving the production as an on-set creative and biographical consultant.
Franco’s casting comes less than a month after the announcement that the actor will appear in the post-war drama “Me, You” from British director Billie August. The films represent a return for Franco...
- 8/4/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar nominee and 2x Golden Globe winner James Franco will play Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Miguel Bardem’s Aline of Cuba with Imagen Award winner Mía Maestro set to play Natalia “Naty” Revuelta, the Cuban-born socialite he has a passionate love affair with.
They join previously announced actress Ana Villafañe who is portraying Alina Fernandez aka Castro’s Daughter. The screenplay from Oscar-nominated scribe Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, follows the true-life story of Cuban exile turned social advocate, Fernandez, whose birth was the result of the tryst between Revuelta and Castro. Revuelta sacrificed her and her physician husband’s personal belongings and finances to help fund the start of the communist revolution. Fernandez learned that she was Fidel Castro’s daughter at the age of 10 when after years of secret visits to her home, her mother finally revealed that “El Comandante” was her biological father.
They join previously announced actress Ana Villafañe who is portraying Alina Fernandez aka Castro’s Daughter. The screenplay from Oscar-nominated scribe Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, follows the true-life story of Cuban exile turned social advocate, Fernandez, whose birth was the result of the tryst between Revuelta and Castro. Revuelta sacrificed her and her physician husband’s personal belongings and finances to help fund the start of the communist revolution. Fernandez learned that she was Fidel Castro’s daughter at the age of 10 when after years of secret visits to her home, her mother finally revealed that “El Comandante” was her biological father.
- 8/4/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Standing in a secluded lane just off Madrid’s main motorway to North-West Spain, the chalet, with its well-trimmed garden, black slate roof and tall, spiked-fence wall, looks as if it would be more in place in a rural estate rather than in a metropolitan city. It also instantly signals a home of the very well-heeled establishment under dictator Francisco Franco.
It now serves as a key set on Paramount Plus’ “Bose,” a six-part series that follows the impressive decades-long career of barrier-breaking Spanish singer-songwriter Miguel Bosé, produced by Vis, Banijay Iberia subsidiary Shine Iberia, Pepe Baston’s Elefantec Global and Legacy Rock.
One of the first – and biggest – barriers that Bosé had to break was his own upbringing, showrunner Nacho Faerna (“La Fuga”) explained on a set-visit to this highly anticipated Spanish-language series, which wrapped production mid-April.
Growing up in the Somosaguas neighborhood, a suburban bastion of the Francoist upper-middle class outside Madrid,...
It now serves as a key set on Paramount Plus’ “Bose,” a six-part series that follows the impressive decades-long career of barrier-breaking Spanish singer-songwriter Miguel Bosé, produced by Vis, Banijay Iberia subsidiary Shine Iberia, Pepe Baston’s Elefantec Global and Legacy Rock.
One of the first – and biggest – barriers that Bosé had to break was his own upbringing, showrunner Nacho Faerna (“La Fuga”) explained on a set-visit to this highly anticipated Spanish-language series, which wrapped production mid-April.
Growing up in the Somosaguas neighborhood, a suburban bastion of the Francoist upper-middle class outside Madrid,...
- 5/4/2022
- by Justin Morgan
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Cuban American actress Ana Villafañe has landed the lead role in the indie feature Alina of Cuba: La Hija Rebelde from Mankind Entertainment and Maven Pictures. She will portray Fidel Castro’s daughter and anti-communism activist, Alina Fernandez.
Alina of Cuba is based on the true-life story of Fernandez, a Cuban American immigrant and human rights advocate whose birth was the result of a passionate love affair between Castro and Natalia “Naty” Revuelta. Revuelta, a Cuban-born socialite, sacrificed her and her physician husband’s personal belongings and finances to help fund the revolution.
Fernandez learned of her connection to Castro at the age of 10: when after years of secret visits to her home, she was finally told by her mother that “El Comandante” was her biological father. Fernandez and her mother stayed in Cuba after the former’s stepfather and her sister fled to the U.S. after...
Alina of Cuba is based on the true-life story of Fernandez, a Cuban American immigrant and human rights advocate whose birth was the result of a passionate love affair between Castro and Natalia “Naty” Revuelta. Revuelta, a Cuban-born socialite, sacrificed her and her physician husband’s personal belongings and finances to help fund the revolution.
Fernandez learned of her connection to Castro at the age of 10: when after years of secret visits to her home, she was finally told by her mother that “El Comandante” was her biological father. Fernandez and her mother stayed in Cuba after the former’s stepfather and her sister fled to the U.S. after...
- 3/21/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Madrid-based Latido Films has picked up international sales rights to omnibus feature “Relatos Con-fin-a-dos” (“Tales of the Lockdown”), produced by Spanish film and TV house Morena Films.
Scheduled for a July 3 release in Spain via Amazon Prime Video, “Tales” is making its world market premiere at Cannes Marché du Film Online.
Filmed during the Covid-19 lockdown in Spain, the five self-contained stories range from a romantic comedy to a drama and a thriller, as well as terror and dark humor.
Produced by Morena’s Álvaro Longoria and Anna Saura, and Cecilia Gessa at Gessas Producciones, the “Tales” episode are directed by Fernando Colomo, Álvaro Fernández-Armero (“Spanish Shame”), David Marqués (“Dioses y Perros”), Miguel Bardem (“Mortadelo and Filemon: Mission — Save the Planet”) and Juan Diego Botto (“En los márgenes”).
The stories topline five pair of actors: Luis Tosar (“Miami Vice”) and Maria Luisa Mayol (“Eye For an Eye”), Alvaro Rico (“Élite...
Scheduled for a July 3 release in Spain via Amazon Prime Video, “Tales” is making its world market premiere at Cannes Marché du Film Online.
Filmed during the Covid-19 lockdown in Spain, the five self-contained stories range from a romantic comedy to a drama and a thriller, as well as terror and dark humor.
Produced by Morena’s Álvaro Longoria and Anna Saura, and Cecilia Gessa at Gessas Producciones, the “Tales” episode are directed by Fernando Colomo, Álvaro Fernández-Armero (“Spanish Shame”), David Marqués (“Dioses y Perros”), Miguel Bardem (“Mortadelo and Filemon: Mission — Save the Planet”) and Juan Diego Botto (“En los márgenes”).
The stories topline five pair of actors: Luis Tosar (“Miami Vice”) and Maria Luisa Mayol (“Eye For an Eye”), Alvaro Rico (“Élite...
- 6/22/2020
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
The good folks at Tla Releasing which provide great genre fare via their Danger After Dark label have just sent out a press release containing just a few of the genre films playing at the Philly Film Fest which has over 250 films this year. Some notables: I Sell The Dead, Able, Linkeroever (Left Bank), Moon and one of our personal favorites, Before The Fall.
Festival website Runs March 26th through April 6th.
Oh, not to mention the 20th Century Boys part 2 world premier!
So check after the break for the sneak peek!
Danger After Dark Program 09
I Sell The Dead (USA, 2008) Directed by Glenn McQuaid.
[our review]
Starring Dominic Monahan, Larry Fessenden, Ron Perlman, Angus Scrimm. Vampires, ghouls and vicious rivalries are just part of the fantastical adventures this devilishly mischievous horror film that slayed audiences at Slamdance 09 and Toronto After Dark Film Festival. East Coast Premiere
Able (USA/Germany, 2008) Directed by Marc Robert.
Festival website Runs March 26th through April 6th.
Oh, not to mention the 20th Century Boys part 2 world premier!
So check after the break for the sneak peek!
Danger After Dark Program 09
I Sell The Dead (USA, 2008) Directed by Glenn McQuaid.
[our review]
Starring Dominic Monahan, Larry Fessenden, Ron Perlman, Angus Scrimm. Vampires, ghouls and vicious rivalries are just part of the fantastical adventures this devilishly mischievous horror film that slayed audiences at Slamdance 09 and Toronto After Dark Film Festival. East Coast Premiere
Able (USA/Germany, 2008) Directed by Marc Robert.
- 3/2/2009
- QuietEarth.us
Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival
AMSTERDAM -- Most dangerous games are the order of the day in "King of the Hill" ("El Rey de la Montana"), a small-scale, tightly focused drama, which is perhaps a shade too low-key to make significant commercial international waves outside the festival circuit. It's the latest in an exceedingly long line of movies warning city-dwellers against venturing into the countryside, here the damp hills between Burgos and Soria in northern Spain, starkly alluring backdrops for an admirably tense and economic affair which recalls American forerunners such as "Deliverance" and "Southern Comfort".
This subgenre's protagonists invariably find themselves between the crosshairs of unseen assailants' sniper rifles -- and it's traditional for audiences to know only as much as the hapless characters themselves. That applies for much of "King of the Hill", in which thirtysomething Quim (Leonardo Sbaraglia), mildly disoriented by love-life woes, impulsively -- and literally -- drives down the road less traveled after a steamy gas-station entanglement with pickpocket Bea (Maria Valverde). Before long, Quim and Bea must abandon their vehicles and literally run for their lives through an unforgiving environment of implacable hostility.
But director-editor-co-writer Lopez-Gallego follows established templates only up to a certain point. The divergence comes just after an hour, with a shift in perspective from prey to predator. The latter's unexpected youth, echoing David Moreau and Xavier Palud's flashy French chiller "They". Lopez-Gallego and co-scriptwriter Javier Gullon make rather more of this than Moreau and Palud managed: It's a plus that, when the principal mystery is resolved, this only provokes further, more troubling (and unanswered) questions. Although the First Person Shooter perspective occasionally adopted by Jose David Montero's camera explicitly indicts bloodthirstier video-games and their effect on immature minds, even audiences who don't share this particular mindset will be engaged by the film's controlled precision as it builds steadily towards a crackerjack finale. Daniel Urdales' sound-design, from ricocheting bullets to the wind soughing in lonely pines, hits the target with particularly dead-eye accuracy.
KING OF THE HILL
The Weinstein Co.
A Goodfellas production in association with Decontrabando and Telecinco
Sales: Coach14
Credits:
Director: Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego
Writers: Javier Gullon, Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego
Producers: Juamna Arace, Alvaro Augustin, Miguel Bardem, Juan Pita
Director of photography: Jose David Montero
Production designers: Juana Arance, Pello Villalba
Music: David Crespo
Costume designer: Tatiana Hernandez
Editor: Gonzalez Lopez-Gallego
Cast:
Quim: Leonardo Sbaraglia
Bea: Maria Valverde
Young Civil Guard: Pablo Menasanch
Big brother: Andres Juste
Little brother: Thomas Riordan
Running time -- 90 minutes
No MPAA rating...
AMSTERDAM -- Most dangerous games are the order of the day in "King of the Hill" ("El Rey de la Montana"), a small-scale, tightly focused drama, which is perhaps a shade too low-key to make significant commercial international waves outside the festival circuit. It's the latest in an exceedingly long line of movies warning city-dwellers against venturing into the countryside, here the damp hills between Burgos and Soria in northern Spain, starkly alluring backdrops for an admirably tense and economic affair which recalls American forerunners such as "Deliverance" and "Southern Comfort".
This subgenre's protagonists invariably find themselves between the crosshairs of unseen assailants' sniper rifles -- and it's traditional for audiences to know only as much as the hapless characters themselves. That applies for much of "King of the Hill", in which thirtysomething Quim (Leonardo Sbaraglia), mildly disoriented by love-life woes, impulsively -- and literally -- drives down the road less traveled after a steamy gas-station entanglement with pickpocket Bea (Maria Valverde). Before long, Quim and Bea must abandon their vehicles and literally run for their lives through an unforgiving environment of implacable hostility.
But director-editor-co-writer Lopez-Gallego follows established templates only up to a certain point. The divergence comes just after an hour, with a shift in perspective from prey to predator. The latter's unexpected youth, echoing David Moreau and Xavier Palud's flashy French chiller "They". Lopez-Gallego and co-scriptwriter Javier Gullon make rather more of this than Moreau and Palud managed: It's a plus that, when the principal mystery is resolved, this only provokes further, more troubling (and unanswered) questions. Although the First Person Shooter perspective occasionally adopted by Jose David Montero's camera explicitly indicts bloodthirstier video-games and their effect on immature minds, even audiences who don't share this particular mindset will be engaged by the film's controlled precision as it builds steadily towards a crackerjack finale. Daniel Urdales' sound-design, from ricocheting bullets to the wind soughing in lonely pines, hits the target with particularly dead-eye accuracy.
KING OF THE HILL
The Weinstein Co.
A Goodfellas production in association with Decontrabando and Telecinco
Sales: Coach14
Credits:
Director: Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego
Writers: Javier Gullon, Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego
Producers: Juamna Arace, Alvaro Augustin, Miguel Bardem, Juan Pita
Director of photography: Jose David Montero
Production designers: Juana Arance, Pello Villalba
Music: David Crespo
Costume designer: Tatiana Hernandez
Editor: Gonzalez Lopez-Gallego
Cast:
Quim: Leonardo Sbaraglia
Bea: Maria Valverde
Young Civil Guard: Pablo Menasanch
Big brother: Andres Juste
Little brother: Thomas Riordan
Running time -- 90 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 4/24/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ROME -- Seven films, including Warner Bros. Pictures' Batman Begins, will make their European bows at the 51st Taormina Film Festival, which kicks off Saturday in Sicily and runs through June 18. Six other features set for either their European or world premieres in Taormina's Ancient Theater were announced Monday night at a news conference in Rome. The premieres include Do You Like Hitchcock? by Dario Argento, Le Couperet by Costa-Gavras, Schatten Der Zeit by German director Florian Gallenberger, The Shadow Dancer by Brad Mirman, Incautos by Spanish director Miguel Bardem, The Games of Their Lives by American director David Anspaugh and a documentary about Italian screenwriter Sergio Amidei by Italian directors Ettore and Silvia Scola.
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