Gabriela Tagliavini’s Tequila Re-Pasado zoomed in on the story of Danny (Sebastián Zurita), a middle-aged man with a not-so-perfect life. Yes, he did have a lovely wife who loved him more than anything, but his nosy boss, Jero (Miguel Rodarte), and his mean colleague, Taylor (Ludwika Paleta), took away all the good things in his life. From the looks of it, Jero was a phony spiritual guru, motivational speaker, and the author of eight best-selling books. Jero couldn’t even write his own speeches or improvise when things went south. He had to depend on his employees, Taylor and Danny, for it.
As for his personal life, Danny rarely spent time with his wife, as he was always busy at work. Danny often forgot their anniversary and went back on promises he had made to Mon. However, Mon was still happy in her mediocre life and soon met with...
As for his personal life, Danny rarely spent time with his wife, as he was always busy at work. Danny often forgot their anniversary and went back on promises he had made to Mon. However, Mon was still happy in her mediocre life and soon met with...
- 12/21/2023
- by Rishabh Shandilya
- Film Fugitives
Featuring a women screenwriters pitching session sponsored by Netflix, the biggest fiction series commissioner in Latin America, Ventana Sur has added this year a big spread from Chile’s TV agency Consejo National de Televisión, which could be a reaction to global platforms pulling out of Chile.
In terms of original titles there’s good word on Colombia’s Laura Otálora (“Impermanence”) and Argentina’s Carlos Lascano (“Lina”). Talent track records vary from the multiple near neophytes pitching in Tuesday’s Flixxo session, to name producers in the Cntv spread, from Gabriela Sandoval on “Box 205” and Leonera González on “Dangerous Love.” The Cntv showcase also features animation hit “Petit.”
A quick breakdown of titles:
Netflix
“Divorce Hotel,” (“Hotel de Divorcio,” Guadalupe Yepes, Gabriela Tagliavini, Argentina)
The latest from Yepes, winner of SoloSeries’ 2022 BBC Studios award with “Fugitives” and Tagliavini (“Christmas with you”). In this project, a jaundiced divorce attorney with...
In terms of original titles there’s good word on Colombia’s Laura Otálora (“Impermanence”) and Argentina’s Carlos Lascano (“Lina”). Talent track records vary from the multiple near neophytes pitching in Tuesday’s Flixxo session, to name producers in the Cntv spread, from Gabriela Sandoval on “Box 205” and Leonera González on “Dangerous Love.” The Cntv showcase also features animation hit “Petit.”
A quick breakdown of titles:
Netflix
“Divorce Hotel,” (“Hotel de Divorcio,” Guadalupe Yepes, Gabriela Tagliavini, Argentina)
The latest from Yepes, winner of SoloSeries’ 2022 BBC Studios award with “Fugitives” and Tagliavini (“Christmas with you”). In this project, a jaundiced divorce attorney with...
- 11/28/2023
- by John Hopewell, Anna Marie de la Fuente, Holly Jones and Callum McLennan
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video has pounced on Mexican comedy “Tequila Repasado” by Gabriela Tagliavini., which it premieres worldwide on Dec. 20.
Co-produced by Sony Pictures Int’l Prods and Mexico-based Itaca Films and Feel Good Films, the comedy was originally written in English by Judd Pilot (“Coach”) and Gerald B. Fillmore (“Muertos S.L.”) to be later adapted for the Spanish-language market by Joan Vives, Ilse Apellaniz and Ricardo Avilés.
Said Tagliavini: “I loved the script. It was weird and hilarious yet also spiritual. And it allowed me to use interesting VFX and create original visuals, which is always a fun challenge!”
“Tequila Repasado” revolves around a workaholic who finds himself repeatedly transported back in time by a mystical tequila, forcing him to outsmart his multiplying selves as he struggles to mend his relationships with his family.
The title, which roughly means Tequila Reviewed, is a play on the term Tequila Reposado, which...
Co-produced by Sony Pictures Int’l Prods and Mexico-based Itaca Films and Feel Good Films, the comedy was originally written in English by Judd Pilot (“Coach”) and Gerald B. Fillmore (“Muertos S.L.”) to be later adapted for the Spanish-language market by Joan Vives, Ilse Apellaniz and Ricardo Avilés.
Said Tagliavini: “I loved the script. It was weird and hilarious yet also spiritual. And it allowed me to use interesting VFX and create original visuals, which is always a fun challenge!”
“Tequila Repasado” revolves around a workaholic who finds himself repeatedly transported back in time by a mystical tequila, forcing him to outsmart his multiplying selves as he struggles to mend his relationships with his family.
The title, which roughly means Tequila Reviewed, is a play on the term Tequila Reposado, which...
- 11/27/2023
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
To celebrate the release of Casa Grande, we spoke with the amazing cast and filmmakers of the show – a whopping sixteen people!
Casa Grande follows the lives of rich Southern family dynasties and the immigrant families who work on their farms as they deal with power plays and Ice.
We spoke about wrangling such a huge talented cast as well as working on an actual, working (and smelly) dairy farm!
The cast is interviewed for Casa Granda, coming to Amazon Freevee. The ensemble cast consists of John Pyper-Ferguson, Christina Moore (90210), Madison Lawlor (Juniper), Karen Bethzabe (Babylon), Javier Bolaños (Runt), Raquel Dominguez (Chicago Med), James Marsters (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Emmy-winner Kate Mansi (Days of Our Lives), Daniel Edward Mora (Coco), Loren Escandon (The Baxters), Keith Miller (Red Ruby), and Laura Alemán (Cleaners). It is directed by Gabriela Tagliavini (Despite Everything), Showrunner and Co-Creator Lauren Swickard (A California Christmas), Co-Creator and...
Casa Grande follows the lives of rich Southern family dynasties and the immigrant families who work on their farms as they deal with power plays and Ice.
We spoke about wrangling such a huge talented cast as well as working on an actual, working (and smelly) dairy farm!
The cast is interviewed for Casa Granda, coming to Amazon Freevee. The ensemble cast consists of John Pyper-Ferguson, Christina Moore (90210), Madison Lawlor (Juniper), Karen Bethzabe (Babylon), Javier Bolaños (Runt), Raquel Dominguez (Chicago Med), James Marsters (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Emmy-winner Kate Mansi (Days of Our Lives), Daniel Edward Mora (Coco), Loren Escandon (The Baxters), Keith Miller (Red Ruby), and Laura Alemán (Cleaners). It is directed by Gabriela Tagliavini (Despite Everything), Showrunner and Co-Creator Lauren Swickard (A California Christmas), Co-Creator and...
- 5/4/2023
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Amazon Freevee has announced that it will stream Casa Grande, a bilingual limited series that examines the everyday realities and conflicts between California’s migrant workforce and the landowners who reap the profits.
Created by Lauren Swickard (A California Christmas) and Ali Afshar, Casa Grande follows the intertwining lives of various families in the farmlands of Northern California and is described as an “upstairs/downstairs story transposed from turn-of-the century English countryside to rural America.” It stars John Pyper-Ferguson, Christina Moore, Madison Lawlor (Juniper), Karen Bethzabe (Babylon), Javier Bolaños (All American), Raquel Dominguez (Chicago Med), James Marsters (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Kate Mansi (Days of Our Lives), Daniel Edward Mora (Coco), Loren Escandon (The Baxters), and Ali Afshar (He’s Just Not That Into You).
All five one-hour episodes of the English and Spanish language limited series will premiere on Monday, May 1.
“We...
Created by Lauren Swickard (A California Christmas) and Ali Afshar, Casa Grande follows the intertwining lives of various families in the farmlands of Northern California and is described as an “upstairs/downstairs story transposed from turn-of-the century English countryside to rural America.” It stars John Pyper-Ferguson, Christina Moore, Madison Lawlor (Juniper), Karen Bethzabe (Babylon), Javier Bolaños (All American), Raquel Dominguez (Chicago Med), James Marsters (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Kate Mansi (Days of Our Lives), Daniel Edward Mora (Coco), Loren Escandon (The Baxters), and Ali Afshar (He’s Just Not That Into You).
All five one-hour episodes of the English and Spanish language limited series will premiere on Monday, May 1.
“We...
- 3/20/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Freevee has landed the exclusive first-run U.S. rights to “Casa Grande,” a bilingual limited series that follows the tales of California’s hardworking, often undocumented migrant workforce, as well as the wealthy landowners in Northern California.
The series, which consists of five one-hour episodes, premieres May 1 on Freevee. Lauren Swickard (“A California Christmas”) and Ali Afshar created “Casa Grande,” which comes from Afshar’s Esx Entertainment shingle.
Series stars include John Pyper-Ferguson, Christina Moore, Madison Lawlor (“Juniper”), Karen Bethzabe (“Babylon”), Javier Bolaños (“All American”), Raquel Dominguez (“Chicago Med”), James Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer”), Kate Mansi (“Days of Our Lives”), Daniel Edward Mora (“Coco”), Loren Escandon (“The Baxters”) and Ali Afshar (“He’s Just Not That Into You”).
Latin filmmaker Gabriela Tagliavini (“Despite Everything”) directed the series; Swickard serves as showrunner and also wrote the series with Alex Ranarivelo and Michael Cruz. Other executive producers include Ava Rettke and Daniel Aspromonte.
The series, which consists of five one-hour episodes, premieres May 1 on Freevee. Lauren Swickard (“A California Christmas”) and Ali Afshar created “Casa Grande,” which comes from Afshar’s Esx Entertainment shingle.
Series stars include John Pyper-Ferguson, Christina Moore, Madison Lawlor (“Juniper”), Karen Bethzabe (“Babylon”), Javier Bolaños (“All American”), Raquel Dominguez (“Chicago Med”), James Marsters (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer”), Kate Mansi (“Days of Our Lives”), Daniel Edward Mora (“Coco”), Loren Escandon (“The Baxters”) and Ali Afshar (“He’s Just Not That Into You”).
Latin filmmaker Gabriela Tagliavini (“Despite Everything”) directed the series; Swickard serves as showrunner and also wrote the series with Alex Ranarivelo and Michael Cruz. Other executive producers include Ava Rettke and Daniel Aspromonte.
- 3/20/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
There's just something about the Christmas holiday season that gives many of us a dopamine kick that has us feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and there's research to back it up. It's for this reason that Christmas movies tend to be so popular this time of year - even the corniest ones seem worth watching. But until recently, it was hard to find Christmas movies that resembled what Christmas looks like for Latinx families. While we could enjoy rewatching films like "A Christmas Story" or "It's a Wonderful Life," it would certainly be nice to see a film that at least acknowledges how Latinxs in the States celebrate the holiday and how the major emphasis for us is actually on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), not Christmas Day. After all, we do make up 19 percent of the US population, according to a 2021 study from the Pew Research Center. Director Gabriela Tagliavini...
- 12/6/2022
- by Johanna Ferreira
- Popsugar.com
Freddie Prinze Jr. has officially ended his decades-long hiatus from romantic comedies. The 46-year-old actor stars opposite Aimee Garcia in Netflix’s new holiday movie, “Christmas With You”. The seasonal flick follows Angelina (Garcia), a pop star who’s grappling with career burnout and escapes to a small town where she finds not only inspiration but a shot of love.
Inspired by an Instagram video from a young fan named Cristina (Deja Monique Cruz), Angelina decides to visit the young girl at her school as a bit of a publicity stunt. However, thanks to a fierce winter storm, the singer finds herself snowed in with Cristina and her father Michael (Prinze Jr.), who just so happens to be a music teacher and songwriter. The two inevitably begin a musical collaboration, but their bond might also grow to become something more intimate.
Ironically, “Christmas With You”‘s story is a coincidental...
Inspired by an Instagram video from a young fan named Cristina (Deja Monique Cruz), Angelina decides to visit the young girl at her school as a bit of a publicity stunt. However, thanks to a fierce winter storm, the singer finds herself snowed in with Cristina and her father Michael (Prinze Jr.), who just so happens to be a music teacher and songwriter. The two inevitably begin a musical collaboration, but their bond might also grow to become something more intimate.
Ironically, “Christmas With You”‘s story is a coincidental...
- 11/17/2022
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Christmas With You is a romcom starring Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr. It is directed by Gabriela Tagliavini.
A young woman who has it all, health, wealth and success, and yet is still a bit lost. However, thanks to Christmas she will recover the true Yuletide spirit in the most traditional way. Does it sound familiar?
Premise
Angelina is a pop star who feels burned-out, and despite it all decides to grant a young fan’s wish in a small-town New York, where she not only finds the inspiration to revitalize her career but also a shot at true love.
Movie Review
New York is so generous in film, that includes the most used clichés, especially, when it comes to the Christmas theme. So if we add to that a music star who has lost the Christmas feel, we have the perfect premise for a season movie.
When it...
A young woman who has it all, health, wealth and success, and yet is still a bit lost. However, thanks to Christmas she will recover the true Yuletide spirit in the most traditional way. Does it sound familiar?
Premise
Angelina is a pop star who feels burned-out, and despite it all decides to grant a young fan’s wish in a small-town New York, where she not only finds the inspiration to revitalize her career but also a shot at true love.
Movie Review
New York is so generous in film, that includes the most used clichés, especially, when it comes to the Christmas theme. So if we add to that a music star who has lost the Christmas feel, we have the perfect premise for a season movie.
When it...
- 11/17/2022
- by Veronica Loop
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
‘Christmas with You’ Review: Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Netflix Holiday Rom-Com Will Make You Feel Nothing
It’s been 18 years since Freddie Prinze Jr. made his last “Scooby-Doo” appearance, but the beloved ’90s teen star has still yet to solve the mystery of how to be a convincing actor. Not to sound like a total Scrooge, but Netflix’s “Christmas with You” is such a woefully by-the-numbers approach to the holiday rom-com that it forgets the most important ingredient: it even lacks the spirit of Christmas itself.
In Gabriela Tagliavini’s film, Prinze stars as Miguel, a single dad music teacher whose talented singer daughter Cristina (Deja Monique Cruz) uploads a rendition of pop star Angelina’s (Aimee Garcia) hit track on Instagram. Angelina’s own flailing music career hinges on a Christmas hit, all the better to mimic Mariah Carey’s career (this is an actual reference in the movie) but Angelina just can’t tap into the holiday spirit, as she’s reminded at...
In Gabriela Tagliavini’s film, Prinze stars as Miguel, a single dad music teacher whose talented singer daughter Cristina (Deja Monique Cruz) uploads a rendition of pop star Angelina’s (Aimee Garcia) hit track on Instagram. Angelina’s own flailing music career hinges on a Christmas hit, all the better to mimic Mariah Carey’s career (this is an actual reference in the movie) but Angelina just can’t tap into the holiday spirit, as she’s reminded at...
- 11/17/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
As sweet, sticky and snappy as a candy cane, “Christmas with You” provides a refreshing, sugary boost to any Netflix subscriber’s cinematic diet. This holiday offering, centered on a burnt-out pop star searching for creative inspiration and finding love, welcomes its co-star Freddie Prinze Jr. back to rom-coms, a genre from which he’s been absent for the past two decades. It also delivers unexpected seasonal delights with authentic, universal appeal. The ease with which it packages comedic hijinks and poignancy allows specifics of Latin American culture to shape and broaden its genuine emotional impact. And what a lovely gift that turns out to be.
Recording artist Angelina (Aimee Garcia) has been conquering the pop charts for decades, but finds herself stuck at a creative crossroads. The industry at large and her record producer Barry (Lawrence J. Hughes) are determined to pit her against label-mate/ingénue Cheri (Nicolette Stephanie Templier), who has stronger songs,...
Recording artist Angelina (Aimee Garcia) has been conquering the pop charts for decades, but finds herself stuck at a creative crossroads. The industry at large and her record producer Barry (Lawrence J. Hughes) are determined to pit her against label-mate/ingénue Cheri (Nicolette Stephanie Templier), who has stronger songs,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Courtney Howard
- Variety Film + TV
Don’t call it a comeback, because Freddie Prinze Jr. has been here for years. However, there’s something new on his resume that hasn’t been there since the aughts.
Last month, Netflix confirmed that Prinze Jr. would star opposite Aimee Garcia for director Gabriela Tagliavini in an as-yet-untitled project, marking his return to a top billed acting role, and in a holiday romantic comedy at that. When news broke, fans went wild because it had been years since Prinze Jr. signed on for such a starry role after building an impressive resume early in his career with I ...
Last month, Netflix confirmed that Prinze Jr. would star opposite Aimee Garcia for director Gabriela Tagliavini in an as-yet-untitled project, marking his return to a top billed acting role, and in a holiday romantic comedy at that. When news broke, fans went wild because it had been years since Prinze Jr. signed on for such a starry role after building an impressive resume early in his career with I ...
- 12/3/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Don’t call it a comeback, because Freddie Prinze Jr. has been here for years. However, there’s something new on his resume that hasn’t been there since the aughts.
Last month, Netflix confirmed that Prinze Jr. would star opposite Aimee Garcia for director Gabriela Tagliavini in an as-yet-untitled project, marking his return to a top billed acting role, and in a holiday romantic comedy at that. When news broke, fans went wild because it had been years since Prinze Jr. signed on for such a starry role after building an impressive resume early in his career with I ...
Last month, Netflix confirmed that Prinze Jr. would star opposite Aimee Garcia for director Gabriela Tagliavini in an as-yet-untitled project, marking his return to a top billed acting role, and in a holiday romantic comedy at that. When news broke, fans went wild because it had been years since Prinze Jr. signed on for such a starry role after building an impressive resume early in his career with I ...
- 12/3/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr. have signed on to star in an untitled holiday rom-com that Gabriela Tagliavini (Despite Everything) is directing for Netflix.
Pic centers on Angelina, a pop star feeling career burnout, who escapes to grant a young fan’s wish in small town New York. There, she not only finds the inspiration to revitalize her career, but also a shot at true love.
Jennifer C. Stetson and Paco Farias wrote the original screenplay, with Michael Varrati handling revisions.
German Michael Torres is producing for GMT Films, alongside Lucas Jarach, with Eric Brenner serving as the film’s executive producer.
Garcia is a SAG Award nominee known for her series regular role as Ella Lopez in Netflix’s Lucifer. The actress will next be seen in the second season of Hulu’s Woke and in Richard Gray’s Western...
Pic centers on Angelina, a pop star feeling career burnout, who escapes to grant a young fan’s wish in small town New York. There, she not only finds the inspiration to revitalize her career, but also a shot at true love.
Jennifer C. Stetson and Paco Farias wrote the original screenplay, with Michael Varrati handling revisions.
German Michael Torres is producing for GMT Films, alongside Lucas Jarach, with Eric Brenner serving as the film’s executive producer.
Garcia is a SAG Award nominee known for her series regular role as Ella Lopez in Netflix’s Lucifer. The actress will next be seen in the second season of Hulu’s Woke and in Richard Gray’s Western...
- 11/1/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sony Pictures International Productions’ original comedy Tequila Re-Pasado recently wrapped filming in Mexico and we’ve got first-look images from the film (see above and below).
Gabriela Tagliavini is directing with Sebastián Zurita (Cómo Sobrevivir Soltero) leading the cast. When it was initially announced, Tequila Re-Pasado had Omar Chaparro and María Ripoll attached, respectively, to star and direct, but scheduling conflicts resulted in a change.
Also starring are Paulina Gaitán and Ludwika Paleta (Guerra De Likes, Madre Solo Hay Dos). Rounding out the cast are Miguel Rodarte (Narcos: México), Mauricio “Diablito” Barrientos (Guerra De Likes), Aurora Papile (A La Mala), Héctor Jiménez (Nacho Libre) and Adal Ramones (Un Papá Pirata, Sr Ávila).
Zurita plays Dany, a workaholic who’s waiting for the opportunity to stand out and be considered by his boss, Gero (Rodarte) instead of his rival,...
Gabriela Tagliavini is directing with Sebastián Zurita (Cómo Sobrevivir Soltero) leading the cast. When it was initially announced, Tequila Re-Pasado had Omar Chaparro and María Ripoll attached, respectively, to star and direct, but scheduling conflicts resulted in a change.
Also starring are Paulina Gaitán and Ludwika Paleta (Guerra De Likes, Madre Solo Hay Dos). Rounding out the cast are Miguel Rodarte (Narcos: México), Mauricio “Diablito” Barrientos (Guerra De Likes), Aurora Papile (A La Mala), Héctor Jiménez (Nacho Libre) and Adal Ramones (Un Papá Pirata, Sr Ávila).
Zurita plays Dany, a workaholic who’s waiting for the opportunity to stand out and be considered by his boss, Gero (Rodarte) instead of his rival,...
- 10/21/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
A Latina Millennial obsessed with racking up as many ‘likes’ as she can on social media is the focus of the latest collaboration between music superstar Marc Anthony’s production shingle Magnus Studios and ViacomCBS International Studios (Vis).
Explaining the concept for the comedy “Liked” during a pre-recorded Mip TV keynote on Wednesday evening with Vis president J.C. Acosta, Anthony revealed that much of the series’ humor stems from the conflict between the influencer’s online persona and her real personality.
“The title says it all. We are living in the age in which it is important to be liked but it has become a false currency. The character is often conflicted by her online personality and it calls for a lot of very interesting situations,” he said.
The series will be penned and directed by Argentine filmmaker Gabriela Tagliavini, best known for her features “Without Men,” “Perfect Lover” and “Ladies Night.
Explaining the concept for the comedy “Liked” during a pre-recorded Mip TV keynote on Wednesday evening with Vis president J.C. Acosta, Anthony revealed that much of the series’ humor stems from the conflict between the influencer’s online persona and her real personality.
“The title says it all. We are living in the age in which it is important to be liked but it has become a false currency. The character is often conflicted by her online personality and it calls for a lot of very interesting situations,” he said.
The series will be penned and directed by Argentine filmmaker Gabriela Tagliavini, best known for her features “Without Men,” “Perfect Lover” and “Ladies Night.
- 4/15/2021
- by Ann-Marie Corvin
- Variety Film + TV
Focused on Latin America and U.S. Hispanic markets, last week’s MipCancun Online Plus market-conference was a boutique affair, attracting 600 delegates from 500 companies and 44 countries.
Far more than MipTV and even Mipcom, however, MipCancun’s lineup of speakers marked a virtual who’s who of relevant leading industry figures, led by the top executives for Latin America at companies shaping the region’s film-tv future: Netflix’s Francisco Ramos; Disney Plus’ Leonardo Aranguibel; ViacomCBS Intl. Studios and Networks Americas’ J.C. Acosta; Amazon Prime Video’s Pablo Iacoviello; NBCUniversal Telemundo’s Marcos Santana; and Sony Pictures Television’s Ana Bond.
Wrapping Friday, 2020’s MipCancun kicked off on Nov. 17 as Disney Plus launched across Latin America. That seems appropriate. One subject dominated most keynote and panels, one way or another: The impact of the still ongoing Ott revolution on Latin America’s production sector. Below, find 10 takeaways from MipCancun 2020’s conference.
Far more than MipTV and even Mipcom, however, MipCancun’s lineup of speakers marked a virtual who’s who of relevant leading industry figures, led by the top executives for Latin America at companies shaping the region’s film-tv future: Netflix’s Francisco Ramos; Disney Plus’ Leonardo Aranguibel; ViacomCBS Intl. Studios and Networks Americas’ J.C. Acosta; Amazon Prime Video’s Pablo Iacoviello; NBCUniversal Telemundo’s Marcos Santana; and Sony Pictures Television’s Ana Bond.
Wrapping Friday, 2020’s MipCancun kicked off on Nov. 17 as Disney Plus launched across Latin America. That seems appropriate. One subject dominated most keynote and panels, one way or another: The impact of the still ongoing Ott revolution on Latin America’s production sector. Below, find 10 takeaways from MipCancun 2020’s conference.
- 11/23/2020
- by John Hopewell, Pablo Sandoval and Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. has picked up the worldwide sales rights to Esx Entertainment’s political drama series “Casa Grande,” which award-winning Argentine director Gabriela Tagliavini (“How to Break Up With Your Douchebag”) has been tapped to direct.
Warner Bros. International Television Distribution will handle international sales while Warner Bros. Television Group does domestic.
Inspired by true events, the dramatic series of five one-hour episodes follows several families in the farmland of Northern California as it navigates universal themes of class, immigration, culture and family.
“There’s a war about race in our country taking place right now, and we decided to take the bull by the horns,” said Tagliavini, adding: “We show in provocative scenes how hate and violence are originated by fear.”
“I’m proud to be part of this political series; this controversial show will have people talking,” she asserted.
John Pyper-Ferguson (“The Last Ship”) and Christina Moore (“Claws...
Warner Bros. International Television Distribution will handle international sales while Warner Bros. Television Group does domestic.
Inspired by true events, the dramatic series of five one-hour episodes follows several families in the farmland of Northern California as it navigates universal themes of class, immigration, culture and family.
“There’s a war about race in our country taking place right now, and we decided to take the bull by the horns,” said Tagliavini, adding: “We show in provocative scenes how hate and violence are originated by fear.”
“I’m proud to be part of this political series; this controversial show will have people talking,” she asserted.
John Pyper-Ferguson (“The Last Ship”) and Christina Moore (“Claws...
- 11/18/2020
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has gone into production on its latest original movie in Spain, ‘A pesar de todo,’ staring Blanza Suárez, Macarena García, Amaia Salamanca and Belén Cuesta.
Directed by Argentine-born Gabriela Tagliavini the comedy returns Netflix to women character-driven narratives of other productions such as “The Cable Girls,” and links it once more to one of the Spanish production houses which arguably has best explored a woman’s world, Ramón Campos and Teresa Fernández-Valdés’s Bambu Producciones. the producers of “The Cable Girls, “Velvet” and “Velvet Collection.”
The four actresses play sisters embroiled in a mystery case sparked by the last wish of their dead mother. Before dying, the mother (Marisa Paredes) makes a video for each of her daughters which contain a series of revelations about a family secret which will turn their world upside down and set them off on a common journey which will help them rediscover each other and themselves.
Directed by Argentine-born Gabriela Tagliavini the comedy returns Netflix to women character-driven narratives of other productions such as “The Cable Girls,” and links it once more to one of the Spanish production houses which arguably has best explored a woman’s world, Ramón Campos and Teresa Fernández-Valdés’s Bambu Producciones. the producers of “The Cable Girls, “Velvet” and “Velvet Collection.”
The four actresses play sisters embroiled in a mystery case sparked by the last wish of their dead mother. Before dying, the mother (Marisa Paredes) makes a video for each of her daughters which contain a series of revelations about a family secret which will turn their world upside down and set them off on a common journey which will help them rediscover each other and themselves.
- 10/19/2018
- by Jamie Lang and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
The nominations are out for the 33rd annual Imagen Awards, which celebrate positive portrayal and creative excellence of Latinos and Latino cultures in TV and film. See the full list below.
Best Picture Oscar winner The Shape of Water is nominated for Best Picture, along with Animated Feature Oscar winner Coco, comedy remake Overboard and Mexican comedy How to Break Up With Your Douchebag. Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro also is up for Best Director for Shape of Water along with Coco‘s Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, Douchebag helmer Gabriela Iglesia and Monsoon‘s Miguel Duran.
On the TV side, seven shows will vie for Best Primetime Program – Drama: ABC’s The Crossing, How to Get Away with Murder and Station 19; NBC’s Shades of Blue and Law & Order: Svu; TNT’s Major Crimes; and USA Network’s Queen of the South. The Primetime Comedy hopefuls are Fox’s...
Best Picture Oscar winner The Shape of Water is nominated for Best Picture, along with Animated Feature Oscar winner Coco, comedy remake Overboard and Mexican comedy How to Break Up With Your Douchebag. Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro also is up for Best Director for Shape of Water along with Coco‘s Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, Douchebag helmer Gabriela Iglesia and Monsoon‘s Miguel Duran.
On the TV side, seven shows will vie for Best Primetime Program – Drama: ABC’s The Crossing, How to Get Away with Murder and Station 19; NBC’s Shades of Blue and Law & Order: Svu; TNT’s Major Crimes; and USA Network’s Queen of the South. The Primetime Comedy hopefuls are Fox’s...
- 7/9/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi’s Ambi Group will finance and produce the comedy “The Devil May Care,” with Argentinian director Gabriela Tagliavini helming, Variety has learned exclusively.
Tagliavini directed the Mexican comedy “Como cortar a tu patán” (“How to Break Up With Your Douchebag”); “Border Run,” starring Sharon Stone; “Without Men,” with Eva Longoria, Kate del Castillo, and Christian Slater; and the 2003 Spanish-language breakout “Ladies’ Night.” She exec produced Ambi’s “Beyond the Sun.”
“The Devil May Care” is a comedic love story between the devil (in the body of a man) and a kindhearted woman. Written by Tagliavini and Octavio Marin, the story finds a listless Lucifer, bored with the ease at which humans can be tempted in these modern times, until he discovers a woman who could be the last remaining pure soul on earth. He sets off to tempt, corrupt, and capture her soul by borrowing...
Tagliavini directed the Mexican comedy “Como cortar a tu patán” (“How to Break Up With Your Douchebag”); “Border Run,” starring Sharon Stone; “Without Men,” with Eva Longoria, Kate del Castillo, and Christian Slater; and the 2003 Spanish-language breakout “Ladies’ Night.” She exec produced Ambi’s “Beyond the Sun.”
“The Devil May Care” is a comedic love story between the devil (in the body of a man) and a kindhearted woman. Written by Tagliavini and Octavio Marin, the story finds a listless Lucifer, bored with the ease at which humans can be tempted in these modern times, until he discovers a woman who could be the last remaining pure soul on earth. He sets off to tempt, corrupt, and capture her soul by borrowing...
- 1/25/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Ambi Pictures, the Rome-based film production and finance company, has formed a new international sales division.
Following a trial run at the Efm in Berlin ealier this month, Ambi will now handle worldwide sales on the films it produces, starting with the recently completed action thriller Sights of Death, which was financed and produced by Ambi and stars Danny Glover, Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, Stephen Baldwin and Michael Madsen.
Abmi bosses Monika Bacardi and Andrea Iervolino said: “We feel we are in a great position to grow the company, establish a significant footprint in the global film arena and ultimately build a strong brand as we bring high quality commercial feature films to the marketplace.”
The move will dovetail with its burgeoning production arm, which plans to produce eight feature films in 2014.
Ambi Pictures, which launched late last year, are currently working on the Barry Levinson-directed drama The Humbling, starring Al Pacino...
Following a trial run at the Efm in Berlin ealier this month, Ambi will now handle worldwide sales on the films it produces, starting with the recently completed action thriller Sights of Death, which was financed and produced by Ambi and stars Danny Glover, Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, Stephen Baldwin and Michael Madsen.
Abmi bosses Monika Bacardi and Andrea Iervolino said: “We feel we are in a great position to grow the company, establish a significant footprint in the global film arena and ultimately build a strong brand as we bring high quality commercial feature films to the marketplace.”
The move will dovetail with its burgeoning production arm, which plans to produce eight feature films in 2014.
Ambi Pictures, which launched late last year, are currently working on the Barry Levinson-directed drama The Humbling, starring Al Pacino...
- 2/20/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Company launched last September is also producing upcoming pictures from Gabriela Tagliavini and Marco Risi.
Fledgling production and film finance group Ambi Pictures has revealed first images for its upcoming sci-fi film Sights of Death starring Danny Glover, Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, Stephen Baldwin and Michael Madsen.
The production, directed by Alessandro Capone, has just wrapped its shoot in Rome.
Set against the backdrop of 2047, the film pits Baldwin and Glover as rebels against Hauer, Anderson and Madsen as the unscrupulous military personnel of a tyrannical central confederate government.
This is Ambi’s first trip to the Efm. The Rome-based company was founded last September by Italian-Canadian producer Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi with the aim of making three to four films a year, involving local and international talent and at varying budgets.
Iervolino, 25, who entered the film business in his teens, formerly operated under the Iervolino Entertainment banner until it was rolled into Ambi last year...
Fledgling production and film finance group Ambi Pictures has revealed first images for its upcoming sci-fi film Sights of Death starring Danny Glover, Daryl Hannah, Rutger Hauer, Stephen Baldwin and Michael Madsen.
The production, directed by Alessandro Capone, has just wrapped its shoot in Rome.
Set against the backdrop of 2047, the film pits Baldwin and Glover as rebels against Hauer, Anderson and Madsen as the unscrupulous military personnel of a tyrannical central confederate government.
This is Ambi’s first trip to the Efm. The Rome-based company was founded last September by Italian-Canadian producer Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi with the aim of making three to four films a year, involving local and international talent and at varying budgets.
Iervolino, 25, who entered the film business in his teens, formerly operated under the Iervolino Entertainment banner until it was rolled into Ambi last year...
- 2/8/2014
- ScreenDaily
‘Copper’ Will Make UK Debut Streaming On LoveFilm LoveFilm has acquired UK rights to Cineflix series Copper. The series follows Vikings as the second to debut in the UK exclusively via the streaming service, bypassing traditional broadcasters. Netflix competitor LoveFilm will make the show available for streaming starting Friday. Tom Weston-Jones, Kyle Schmid and Anastasia Griffith star in the period police drama co-created by Tom Fontana and Will Rokos. Copper airs on BBC America in the U.S. Andrea Iervolino, Monika Bacardi Launch Ambi Pictures Italian producer Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi have partnered to launch indie production and finance entity, Ambi Pictures. Headquartered in Rome, The company aims to “serve as a top-tier supplier of mainstream projects for both the studios and major independent distributors worldwide”. Ambi said today it will pursue “Hollywood talent and international stars” and back three to four films per year at various budget levels.
- 9/10/2013
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
Italian producer Andrea Iervolino is partnering with Monika Bacardi to launch film production and finance company Ambi Pictures.
The Rome-based outfit will aim to make “commercial films for a worldwide audience.”
The company announced plans to work with Hollywood talent and international stars, financing three to four films per year at various budget levels.
The first projects from the company will be Gabriela Tagliavini’s romantic comedy Devil May Care (to start shooting in November) and Marco Risi’s football dramedy Tre Tocchi, which will shoot later this month. Both will shoot in Italy.
Iervolino’s credits include The Merchant of Venice and The Anatomist.
Bacardi is the widow of Lord Luis Bacardi of the family-run spirits business.
Ambi also plans to be involved in distribution through sister company AI Entertainment, which Iervolino started in 2011.
The Rome-based outfit will aim to make “commercial films for a worldwide audience.”
The company announced plans to work with Hollywood talent and international stars, financing three to four films per year at various budget levels.
The first projects from the company will be Gabriela Tagliavini’s romantic comedy Devil May Care (to start shooting in November) and Marco Risi’s football dramedy Tre Tocchi, which will shoot later this month. Both will shoot in Italy.
Iervolino’s credits include The Merchant of Venice and The Anatomist.
Bacardi is the widow of Lord Luis Bacardi of the family-run spirits business.
Ambi also plans to be involved in distribution through sister company AI Entertainment, which Iervolino started in 2011.
- 9/9/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Feb. 26, 2013
Price: DVD $22.98, Blu-ray $24.99
Studio: Anchor Bay
A raven-tressed Sharon Stone means business in Border Run.
Sharon Stone ($5 A Day) and Billy Zane (Titanic) star in the 2013 thriller film Border Run, premiering on DVD and Blu-ray.
Stone, sporting dark hair this time around, is Phoenix television reporter Sofie Talbert, a right-wing journalist who exposes liberal politicians soft on illegal immigration. But when her relief-worker brother (Zane) goes missing in Mexico, Sofie’s own South-of-the-border investigation traps her in a dangerous underworld of migrants, smugglers and cold-blooded murderers. Cancun it ain’t! Using everything she has at her disposal, Sofie does whatever’s necessary to get her brother back!
Directed by Gabriela Tagliavini (Without Men), Border Run (which was originally entitled The Mule) is reportedly inspired by true events, which seems pretty likely based on the headlines that have been coming out of Mexico lately.
There’s...
Price: DVD $22.98, Blu-ray $24.99
Studio: Anchor Bay
A raven-tressed Sharon Stone means business in Border Run.
Sharon Stone ($5 A Day) and Billy Zane (Titanic) star in the 2013 thriller film Border Run, premiering on DVD and Blu-ray.
Stone, sporting dark hair this time around, is Phoenix television reporter Sofie Talbert, a right-wing journalist who exposes liberal politicians soft on illegal immigration. But when her relief-worker brother (Zane) goes missing in Mexico, Sofie’s own South-of-the-border investigation traps her in a dangerous underworld of migrants, smugglers and cold-blooded murderers. Cancun it ain’t! Using everything she has at her disposal, Sofie does whatever’s necessary to get her brother back!
Directed by Gabriela Tagliavini (Without Men), Border Run (which was originally entitled The Mule) is reportedly inspired by true events, which seems pretty likely based on the headlines that have been coming out of Mexico lately.
There’s...
- 12/12/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
From our Chicana from Chicago, Christine Davila:
I took in a few panels over the weekend down here at L.A. Film Fest that I really appreciated for sparking some provocative dialogue I am eager to continue throughout the Festival. I found it especially interesting how different the U.S. Latino and Black film communities are responding to their storytelling plight in talking about their respective representation in media. Meanwhile the lively Latino panel, which was perhaps the broadest in scope, was eloquent and skillfully led by L.A. Times’ Reed Johnson who brought a high level of articulation in his profesh moderating. As panel junkies know, a good moderator is key to an engaging panel and essential to keep it on point. Here are my takeaways on the three panels:us Latino Film Panel at Laff
The Blackhouse Foundation - The Art and Social Responsibility of Festival Programming – Sponsored by Bet
Moderated by Film Independent’s Lacma film curator and go-to festival moderator, Elvis Mitchell, I was particularly impressed at the messaging clarity and solidarity of the black film community’s efforts and goals for equal representation. The panelists were very tuned-in with monitoring their talent behind and in front of the camera, and in this case stressing the importance of festival curators, which was identified as one of three instrumental factors to enable their films getting out there.
Shari Frilot, Senior Programmer, Sundance Film Festival: There was much (due) love and props given to Frilot for her ardent and tireless championing of films of color at Sundance. She pointed out how after Lee Daniel’s breakout hit, Precious which premiered at 2009 Sundance and went on to win a couple Academy Awards, the next couple years it was the black films that were the first to be sold off the mountain including the dazzling lesbian coming of age film, Pariah. She questioned why this achievement was not picked up or lauded in the mainstream media. Its indeed curious and perhaps a telling point on the cultural gatekeeper front – (shortage of black critics and journalists?) Having witnessed Shari’s highly charged and articulate arguing for gloriously imperfect, fresh and raw films I respect how she truly changes the way the film programming conversation takes place by discussing films’ drive, potential and power. I aspire to “bring it” like she does in my own programming career. Acknowledging the personal efforts she puts in to make the festival seem accessible to filmmakers of color who may not bother putting Sundance on their radar, the idea of doing a black college tour came up.
Ava DuVernay, filmmaker (Middle of Nowhere) and founder of Affrm: DuVernay’s emotion for the topic at hand along with her experience from her publicist days and current roles as filmmaker and distributor made her a stirring contributor to the conversation. Ava thanked L.A. Film Festival Director Stephanie Allain for programming Middle of Nowhere as a gala screening which elevates her film with a high profile slot within the festival. A packed house at Wednesday’s gala screening will be quite significant to the black filmmaking community given the massive 800 seat theater and checking the L.A. Film Fest website its at Rush which will make for an exciting milestone! The winner of the Best Director Award at Sundance Film Festival shared her personal observations like being stunned to see empty seats at the black film screenings at Sundance which is unheard of in the notoriously hard-to-get tickets Festival. She mentioned that while she is frequently featured on Shadow and Act, the African Diaspora blog on the Indiewire network, she has never been on Indiewire’s main page. DuVernay expressed her desire to see more films that move and operate beyond ‘black bodies’.
There was mention of films touted as successful black films when they happen to be by non-black filmmakers. I can’t help but think the room was thinking about Gimme the Loot written and directed by Adam Leon and Beasts of the Southern Wild written and directed by Benh Zeitlin. Both films have been praised and celebrated for their poignant storytelling and vivid portrayal of their black protagonists’ lifestyles – and the filmmakers happen to be white Jewish New Yorkers. And both films were quickly picked up for distribution at their respective festival premieres. I have to admit that if we are talking about presenting positive representation in films my belief is that individually, these two films offer a lot as far as image conversion for eschewing mis-representation by avoiding stereotypes about black folks. There’s nobody smoking crack or perpetuating violent crime in Gimme the Loot, and in Beasts the poetic punch of self-sufficient little Hushpuppy in the die-hard persevering displaced fictional community that alludes to the forgotten 9th Ward post-Katrina, shows a triumph of spirit against the government and society’s response efforts following the devastating natural catastrophe in the dominantly affected marginalized population.
Bradford Young, cinematographer (Middle of Nowhere, Pariah, Restless City): A Howard University alumus, the in-demand cinematographer more gently echoed Ava’s sentiment about the limited accessibility and representation of black filmmakers but I feel he gave a bit more benefit of the doubt to black films by non-black filmmakers by his eloquent word of choice to weigh the debate; “Intention”. The way he talks about his own cinematic approach is greatly influenced by the intention of the story and point of view. A NY Times article recently featured the cinematographer and made note of his full frame and close up shots in Middle of Nowhere. Indeed the luscious and texture he brings to shooting skincolor sticks out in my mind having seen it at Sundance. Bradford is one cool cat with lots of soul. All panelists agreed and were especially thankful for his eyes.
Roya Rastegar, Ph.D, Festival Programmer: Inventive cinematography, curation by more females and people of color and innovative distribution were three ways Rastegar outlined to help minority filmmakers distinguish their work and get seen by the public. I would love to get my hands on her dissertation, History of Consciousness (here’s a taste) in which she investigates the role of festivals in shaping marginalized culture. Armed with such interesting facts on the history of film festivals, (did you know Stalin created the first film festival?) Rastegar added a lot of context to the origins and current state of film festivals. She also shared the behind the scenes conversations of film programmers when talking about films of color and the rueful tendency to dismiss these films because they aren’t so called ‘good enough’. She made no hesitation in pointing out that Tribeca Film Festival did not have one single black film in competition this year.
U.S. Latino Cinema: Welcome to the Bi-Literate Future - Presented by San Antonio Film Commission and Afci (Association of Film Commissions International)
I had the privilege of participating on this panel which was prefaced by a Univision spot highlighting their new campaign efforts of reaching a bi-lingual audience. In it, an old woman recalls being prevented from speaking her language as a child in school and then we cut to today’s young U.S. Latino man who flips from Spanish to English talking about his liking alternative band, The Strokes as much as Spanish-language pop rock band, Juanes.
What it was about: Our Latino population in the U.S. is now more than ever embracing a bi-lingual, or more importantly, a bi-literate culture. Will films reflect the changing demographic of the U.S. as a bi-literate (a Spanish and English language culture) be commercially successful and be able to find an audience? And perhaps more importantly, will the studio system be able to adapt to the successful strategies many in the independent world are using to create commercially viable content?
Douglas Spain (Star Maps, Walkout, Band of Brothers) is used to wearing multiple hats and so acted as both panelist and moderator. Spain offered up his experience as an actor/producer/director as a gay latino filmmaker who has successfully worked in independent film and studio and television mediums. His quest for staying true to himself with the roles and films he is making rang resonant to all.
Ralph Lopez, San Antonio filmmaker: The producer of Wolf which premiered at this year’s SXSW talked about his aim is to create and tell stories that transcend color. Like his provocative film about the complexities faced by the victim of a bishop’s inappropriate behavior, his collaborations with director black filmmaker Ya Ke Smith comes first and foremost from a place of telling moving stories.
Gabriela Tagliavini, filmmaker (Ladies Night, Without Men, The Mule: Having had big success with Spanish language film Ladies Night in 2006, Gabriela switched languages and directed Eva Longoria in the English language film,Without Men which sold to many international territories given Longoria’s international brand name. With her upcoming film, The Mule she is looking to take advantage of the crime action genre and star Sharon Stone to offer real commentary on immigration and the dangerous toll of the U.S. Mexico border.
Luis Reyes, historian and author of the comprehensive book, Hispanics in Hollywood: The old school gent on our panel made some slightly more conventional suggestions on how to make a successful bi-literate film like “know your audience” and attaching a well known actor to your film so you can market it.
I added my two cents and in retrospect I think my thoughts coincided with Rastegar’s in the proactive vein of here’s what we can-do positive approach of encouraging budding filmmakers to utilize genre (horror and gay U.S. Latino films stand out from the stack and are sought after by festival programs). I also asked my fellow panelists if they found the U.S. Latino filmmaking community as fragmented as I see it. Unlike Black or Lgbt film organizations I feel the U.S. Latino community has much more work in becoming inclusive within our distinct bi-lingual backgrounds in order to successfully empower and advocate for our films. Organizations like Nalip and Laliff were mentioned in answer. But in my opinion and with all respect, I find Nalip a bit cliquesh and lacking a younger pulse and generation of organizers, and Laliff is too inconsistent to make fundamental cultural change. Although we touched on the question of the challenges our community faces working in Spanish versus English I’m not sure we fully stayed on point in attempting to answer the ambitious subject and interesting talking points raised. But the audience seemed more the type of wanting basic advice on how to break into filmmaking so most questions and conversations was directed to the filmmakers on the panels and in that regard it was a successful exchange.
Café Latino presented by HBO and supported by University of Guadalajara Foundation
Made evident by the participating film clips that were shown before the panel there is much genre and story diversity in the Latino films at L.A. Film Fest this year. I’m especially happy the Festival recognizes the growing influence of the Mexican documentary by having selected Reportero by Bernardo Ruiz, Caniculaby Jose Alvarez and Drought by Evererdo Gonzalez. The panel was ostensibly about the Festival’s Latin American filmmakers and how they explore their roles as storytellers in an increasingly global world. With such a high number of panelists and so many interesting topics broached however, it left one wanting more time to engage with the personable talents onstage.
Reed Johnson encouraged the panelists to chime in at will which Alejandro Brugues, director of Cuban Zombie film, Juan of the Dead took full advantage of to defend big hollywood films like The Avengers, which Gonzalez initially brought up if only to point out the David and Goliath challenge filmmakers in Mexico face having to compete for screens against these big money backed blockbusters. Brugues set himself apart from the group by defending his love for the blockbuster which inspired him to direct films. Unlike his peers’ ‘artful’ films he considers his film strictly for public entertainment (he joked that his film is actually a documentary). Yet at the same time he admits he took advantage of the Zombie genre a la Romero to infuse it with his personal observations of contemporary Cuban society – which he would not have been able to shoot in Cuba otherwise.
Meanwhile Arturo Pons who was born in Mexico but has lived and worked in Spain for the past ten years described his conception for his surreal satire, The Compass is Carried by the Dead Man not necessarily about immigration but a visual canvas with which to paint the total disorientation that confronts Mexico. Ruiz talked about seeing himself as a ‘translator’ or vessel to tell stories. Alvarez talked about how he does not think of his audience as he makes his films however he does aspire to showcase Mexico Profundo in showing the vast and vibrant indigenous artistry and folklore and deliberately resisting the the media’s monopolized perpetuation of the drug violence and corruption. Lastly, Dominga Sotomayor, the 27 year old director of Thursday till Sunday whose next film Tarde Para Morir was selected to the first ever Sundance Mahindra Screenwriters Lab, added that like Mexico, in Chile there is a growing number of filmmakers but no real venues to find their audience.
L.A. Film Festival is going on through Sunday and a bunch of added screenings have been slotted. Check out film guide and buy tickets here.
I took in a few panels over the weekend down here at L.A. Film Fest that I really appreciated for sparking some provocative dialogue I am eager to continue throughout the Festival. I found it especially interesting how different the U.S. Latino and Black film communities are responding to their storytelling plight in talking about their respective representation in media. Meanwhile the lively Latino panel, which was perhaps the broadest in scope, was eloquent and skillfully led by L.A. Times’ Reed Johnson who brought a high level of articulation in his profesh moderating. As panel junkies know, a good moderator is key to an engaging panel and essential to keep it on point. Here are my takeaways on the three panels:us Latino Film Panel at Laff
The Blackhouse Foundation - The Art and Social Responsibility of Festival Programming – Sponsored by Bet
Moderated by Film Independent’s Lacma film curator and go-to festival moderator, Elvis Mitchell, I was particularly impressed at the messaging clarity and solidarity of the black film community’s efforts and goals for equal representation. The panelists were very tuned-in with monitoring their talent behind and in front of the camera, and in this case stressing the importance of festival curators, which was identified as one of three instrumental factors to enable their films getting out there.
Shari Frilot, Senior Programmer, Sundance Film Festival: There was much (due) love and props given to Frilot for her ardent and tireless championing of films of color at Sundance. She pointed out how after Lee Daniel’s breakout hit, Precious which premiered at 2009 Sundance and went on to win a couple Academy Awards, the next couple years it was the black films that were the first to be sold off the mountain including the dazzling lesbian coming of age film, Pariah. She questioned why this achievement was not picked up or lauded in the mainstream media. Its indeed curious and perhaps a telling point on the cultural gatekeeper front – (shortage of black critics and journalists?) Having witnessed Shari’s highly charged and articulate arguing for gloriously imperfect, fresh and raw films I respect how she truly changes the way the film programming conversation takes place by discussing films’ drive, potential and power. I aspire to “bring it” like she does in my own programming career. Acknowledging the personal efforts she puts in to make the festival seem accessible to filmmakers of color who may not bother putting Sundance on their radar, the idea of doing a black college tour came up.
Ava DuVernay, filmmaker (Middle of Nowhere) and founder of Affrm: DuVernay’s emotion for the topic at hand along with her experience from her publicist days and current roles as filmmaker and distributor made her a stirring contributor to the conversation. Ava thanked L.A. Film Festival Director Stephanie Allain for programming Middle of Nowhere as a gala screening which elevates her film with a high profile slot within the festival. A packed house at Wednesday’s gala screening will be quite significant to the black filmmaking community given the massive 800 seat theater and checking the L.A. Film Fest website its at Rush which will make for an exciting milestone! The winner of the Best Director Award at Sundance Film Festival shared her personal observations like being stunned to see empty seats at the black film screenings at Sundance which is unheard of in the notoriously hard-to-get tickets Festival. She mentioned that while she is frequently featured on Shadow and Act, the African Diaspora blog on the Indiewire network, she has never been on Indiewire’s main page. DuVernay expressed her desire to see more films that move and operate beyond ‘black bodies’.
There was mention of films touted as successful black films when they happen to be by non-black filmmakers. I can’t help but think the room was thinking about Gimme the Loot written and directed by Adam Leon and Beasts of the Southern Wild written and directed by Benh Zeitlin. Both films have been praised and celebrated for their poignant storytelling and vivid portrayal of their black protagonists’ lifestyles – and the filmmakers happen to be white Jewish New Yorkers. And both films were quickly picked up for distribution at their respective festival premieres. I have to admit that if we are talking about presenting positive representation in films my belief is that individually, these two films offer a lot as far as image conversion for eschewing mis-representation by avoiding stereotypes about black folks. There’s nobody smoking crack or perpetuating violent crime in Gimme the Loot, and in Beasts the poetic punch of self-sufficient little Hushpuppy in the die-hard persevering displaced fictional community that alludes to the forgotten 9th Ward post-Katrina, shows a triumph of spirit against the government and society’s response efforts following the devastating natural catastrophe in the dominantly affected marginalized population.
Bradford Young, cinematographer (Middle of Nowhere, Pariah, Restless City): A Howard University alumus, the in-demand cinematographer more gently echoed Ava’s sentiment about the limited accessibility and representation of black filmmakers but I feel he gave a bit more benefit of the doubt to black films by non-black filmmakers by his eloquent word of choice to weigh the debate; “Intention”. The way he talks about his own cinematic approach is greatly influenced by the intention of the story and point of view. A NY Times article recently featured the cinematographer and made note of his full frame and close up shots in Middle of Nowhere. Indeed the luscious and texture he brings to shooting skincolor sticks out in my mind having seen it at Sundance. Bradford is one cool cat with lots of soul. All panelists agreed and were especially thankful for his eyes.
Roya Rastegar, Ph.D, Festival Programmer: Inventive cinematography, curation by more females and people of color and innovative distribution were three ways Rastegar outlined to help minority filmmakers distinguish their work and get seen by the public. I would love to get my hands on her dissertation, History of Consciousness (here’s a taste) in which she investigates the role of festivals in shaping marginalized culture. Armed with such interesting facts on the history of film festivals, (did you know Stalin created the first film festival?) Rastegar added a lot of context to the origins and current state of film festivals. She also shared the behind the scenes conversations of film programmers when talking about films of color and the rueful tendency to dismiss these films because they aren’t so called ‘good enough’. She made no hesitation in pointing out that Tribeca Film Festival did not have one single black film in competition this year.
U.S. Latino Cinema: Welcome to the Bi-Literate Future - Presented by San Antonio Film Commission and Afci (Association of Film Commissions International)
I had the privilege of participating on this panel which was prefaced by a Univision spot highlighting their new campaign efforts of reaching a bi-lingual audience. In it, an old woman recalls being prevented from speaking her language as a child in school and then we cut to today’s young U.S. Latino man who flips from Spanish to English talking about his liking alternative band, The Strokes as much as Spanish-language pop rock band, Juanes.
What it was about: Our Latino population in the U.S. is now more than ever embracing a bi-lingual, or more importantly, a bi-literate culture. Will films reflect the changing demographic of the U.S. as a bi-literate (a Spanish and English language culture) be commercially successful and be able to find an audience? And perhaps more importantly, will the studio system be able to adapt to the successful strategies many in the independent world are using to create commercially viable content?
Douglas Spain (Star Maps, Walkout, Band of Brothers) is used to wearing multiple hats and so acted as both panelist and moderator. Spain offered up his experience as an actor/producer/director as a gay latino filmmaker who has successfully worked in independent film and studio and television mediums. His quest for staying true to himself with the roles and films he is making rang resonant to all.
Ralph Lopez, San Antonio filmmaker: The producer of Wolf which premiered at this year’s SXSW talked about his aim is to create and tell stories that transcend color. Like his provocative film about the complexities faced by the victim of a bishop’s inappropriate behavior, his collaborations with director black filmmaker Ya Ke Smith comes first and foremost from a place of telling moving stories.
Gabriela Tagliavini, filmmaker (Ladies Night, Without Men, The Mule: Having had big success with Spanish language film Ladies Night in 2006, Gabriela switched languages and directed Eva Longoria in the English language film,Without Men which sold to many international territories given Longoria’s international brand name. With her upcoming film, The Mule she is looking to take advantage of the crime action genre and star Sharon Stone to offer real commentary on immigration and the dangerous toll of the U.S. Mexico border.
Luis Reyes, historian and author of the comprehensive book, Hispanics in Hollywood: The old school gent on our panel made some slightly more conventional suggestions on how to make a successful bi-literate film like “know your audience” and attaching a well known actor to your film so you can market it.
I added my two cents and in retrospect I think my thoughts coincided with Rastegar’s in the proactive vein of here’s what we can-do positive approach of encouraging budding filmmakers to utilize genre (horror and gay U.S. Latino films stand out from the stack and are sought after by festival programs). I also asked my fellow panelists if they found the U.S. Latino filmmaking community as fragmented as I see it. Unlike Black or Lgbt film organizations I feel the U.S. Latino community has much more work in becoming inclusive within our distinct bi-lingual backgrounds in order to successfully empower and advocate for our films. Organizations like Nalip and Laliff were mentioned in answer. But in my opinion and with all respect, I find Nalip a bit cliquesh and lacking a younger pulse and generation of organizers, and Laliff is too inconsistent to make fundamental cultural change. Although we touched on the question of the challenges our community faces working in Spanish versus English I’m not sure we fully stayed on point in attempting to answer the ambitious subject and interesting talking points raised. But the audience seemed more the type of wanting basic advice on how to break into filmmaking so most questions and conversations was directed to the filmmakers on the panels and in that regard it was a successful exchange.
Café Latino presented by HBO and supported by University of Guadalajara Foundation
Made evident by the participating film clips that were shown before the panel there is much genre and story diversity in the Latino films at L.A. Film Fest this year. I’m especially happy the Festival recognizes the growing influence of the Mexican documentary by having selected Reportero by Bernardo Ruiz, Caniculaby Jose Alvarez and Drought by Evererdo Gonzalez. The panel was ostensibly about the Festival’s Latin American filmmakers and how they explore their roles as storytellers in an increasingly global world. With such a high number of panelists and so many interesting topics broached however, it left one wanting more time to engage with the personable talents onstage.
Reed Johnson encouraged the panelists to chime in at will which Alejandro Brugues, director of Cuban Zombie film, Juan of the Dead took full advantage of to defend big hollywood films like The Avengers, which Gonzalez initially brought up if only to point out the David and Goliath challenge filmmakers in Mexico face having to compete for screens against these big money backed blockbusters. Brugues set himself apart from the group by defending his love for the blockbuster which inspired him to direct films. Unlike his peers’ ‘artful’ films he considers his film strictly for public entertainment (he joked that his film is actually a documentary). Yet at the same time he admits he took advantage of the Zombie genre a la Romero to infuse it with his personal observations of contemporary Cuban society – which he would not have been able to shoot in Cuba otherwise.
Meanwhile Arturo Pons who was born in Mexico but has lived and worked in Spain for the past ten years described his conception for his surreal satire, The Compass is Carried by the Dead Man not necessarily about immigration but a visual canvas with which to paint the total disorientation that confronts Mexico. Ruiz talked about seeing himself as a ‘translator’ or vessel to tell stories. Alvarez talked about how he does not think of his audience as he makes his films however he does aspire to showcase Mexico Profundo in showing the vast and vibrant indigenous artistry and folklore and deliberately resisting the the media’s monopolized perpetuation of the drug violence and corruption. Lastly, Dominga Sotomayor, the 27 year old director of Thursday till Sunday whose next film Tarde Para Morir was selected to the first ever Sundance Mahindra Screenwriters Lab, added that like Mexico, in Chile there is a growing number of filmmakers but no real venues to find their audience.
L.A. Film Festival is going on through Sunday and a bunch of added screenings have been slotted. Check out film guide and buy tickets here.
- 6/20/2012
- by Christine Davila
- Sydney's Buzz
Eva Longoria has filmed a series of saucy same-sex love scenes for her new film, Without Men, which sees her cavorting with actress Kate Del Castillo.
The Desperate Housewives star plays a woman who is put in charge of a Latin American village when the local men are all recruited by a group of guerilla revolutionaries.
Her character embarks on a fling with another woman, and director Gabriela Tagliavini reveals both Longoria and del Castillo were initially worried about the love scenes.
She tells Fox News, "It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight so they were very nervous and laughed a lot. But I think that just made it even lovelier. (Female audiences) don't want to watch porn, so it was all very sensual, both are very beautiful women aside from being incredibly funny... Eva is more sexy here than in Desperate Housewives. She was a total trooper and she just went for it, it all looked very real."...
The Desperate Housewives star plays a woman who is put in charge of a Latin American village when the local men are all recruited by a group of guerilla revolutionaries.
Her character embarks on a fling with another woman, and director Gabriela Tagliavini reveals both Longoria and del Castillo were initially worried about the love scenes.
She tells Fox News, "It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight so they were very nervous and laughed a lot. But I think that just made it even lovelier. (Female audiences) don't want to watch porn, so it was all very sensual, both are very beautiful women aside from being incredibly funny... Eva is more sexy here than in Desperate Housewives. She was a total trooper and she just went for it, it all looked very real."...
- 7/18/2011
- WENN
The Desperate Housewives actress is turning to women in ‘Without Men!’ Watch for yourself!
The preview for the Without Men is now available, and Eva Longoria, 36, plays a lesbian! The movie is a comedy about a Latin American town that contains only women! Since all of the men — outside of their priest — are gone, the women must fulfill unconventional roles in order to survive.
In the clip, Eva is the new leader of the women. She wields a gun and even gets physical with another lady! Gabriela Tagliavini, the director of the film, told Fox News that filming the lesbian scene was not easy!
“It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight, so they were very nervous and laughed a lot,” Gabriela said.
See the action for yourself below!
Click here to view the embedded video.
View Poll –Josh DeMilta
More Eva Longoria news here!
Get Eva’s $34 red carpet dress!
The preview for the Without Men is now available, and Eva Longoria, 36, plays a lesbian! The movie is a comedy about a Latin American town that contains only women! Since all of the men — outside of their priest — are gone, the women must fulfill unconventional roles in order to survive.
In the clip, Eva is the new leader of the women. She wields a gun and even gets physical with another lady! Gabriela Tagliavini, the director of the film, told Fox News that filming the lesbian scene was not easy!
“It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight, so they were very nervous and laughed a lot,” Gabriela said.
See the action for yourself below!
Click here to view the embedded video.
View Poll –Josh DeMilta
More Eva Longoria news here!
Get Eva’s $34 red carpet dress!
- 7/18/2011
- by Kirstin Benson
- HollywoodLife
HollywoodNews.com: Eva Longoria gets it on with Spanish actress, Kate Del Castillo, in her new indie movie, ‘Without Men’. Christian Slater also stars in the film as an American Journalist. The film hits theaters July 29th, and is an adaptation based on James Cannon’s book, ‘Tales From the Town of Widows’.
In the film, “Eva plays a strong-willed woman who is forced to take charge of her Latin-American village, after all of its men are forced to join the guerrilla revolutionaries,” according to Ok magazine. Director Gabriela Tagliavini said, “It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight so they were very nervous and laughed a lot, but I think that just made it even lovelier.”
What do you think about Eva’s steamy new role?
Image by PRPhotos
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In the film, “Eva plays a strong-willed woman who is forced to take charge of her Latin-American village, after all of its men are forced to join the guerrilla revolutionaries,” according to Ok magazine. Director Gabriela Tagliavini said, “It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight so they were very nervous and laughed a lot, but I think that just made it even lovelier.”
What do you think about Eva’s steamy new role?
Image by PRPhotos
Follow Hollywood News on Twitter for up-to-date news information.
Hollywood News, Hollywood Awards, Awards, Movies, News,...
- 7/17/2011
- by Gina Bertuzzi
- Hollywoodnews.com
Today we have a restricted trailer for the upcoming comedy "Without Men," starring Eva Longoria, Christian Slater, Paul Rodriguez and Oscar Nunez ("The Office"). Check it out below. In the movie, Longoria plays the mayor of a Latin American village that loses all of its men when they are recruited against their will by guerilla revolutionaries. Nunez plays the only man in town, a priest. Slater plays an American journalist. Director Gabriela Tagliavini spoke about shooting a scene in which Longoria and Kate del Castillo had to kiss. "It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight so they were very nervous and laughed a lot," she explained. "But I think that just made it even lovelier. [Female audiences] don't want to watch porn, so it was all very sensual." "Without Men" is based on James Cannon's bestselling book "Tales From the Town of Widows" and is set to...
- 7/15/2011
- WorstPreviews.com
There is nothing desperate about these housewives.
Eva Longoria stars in the indie comedy, "Without Men," as the de facto lady in charge of a Latin American village that loses all of its men when they are forcibly recruited by a bunch of guerilla revolutionaries. It looks like a largely fun film about women taking over the various unsavory roles that men fill in everyday society, with "The Office" star Oscar Nunez, as a priest, the only hombre in town.
Eventually, American journalist Christian Slater comes to town and seems to spark a romance with Longoria's character, but before that, any and all sexual interplay is strictly a ladies-only affair.
Which means Longoria some lesbian moments -- with co-star Kate del Castillo.
“It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight so they were very nervous and laughed a lot,” the film's director, Gabriela Tagliavini, told Fox News.
Eva Longoria stars in the indie comedy, "Without Men," as the de facto lady in charge of a Latin American village that loses all of its men when they are forcibly recruited by a bunch of guerilla revolutionaries. It looks like a largely fun film about women taking over the various unsavory roles that men fill in everyday society, with "The Office" star Oscar Nunez, as a priest, the only hombre in town.
Eventually, American journalist Christian Slater comes to town and seems to spark a romance with Longoria's character, but before that, any and all sexual interplay is strictly a ladies-only affair.
Which means Longoria some lesbian moments -- with co-star Kate del Castillo.
“It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight so they were very nervous and laughed a lot,” the film's director, Gabriela Tagliavini, told Fox News.
- 7/15/2011
- by Jordan Zakarin
- Huffington Post
In the new indie comedy "Without Men," Eva Longoria plays Rosalba, who lives in a remote town where all the men have been recruited by communist guerrillas. The actress is involved in a seductive love scene with co-star Kate del Castillo.
The film's director, Gabriela Tagliavini, told Fox News, "It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight, so they were very nervous and laughed a lot. But I think that just made it even lovelier.
The film's director, Gabriela Tagliavini, told Fox News, "It was a little difficult as the two girls are both straight, so they were very nervous and laughed a lot. But I think that just made it even lovelier.
- 7/15/2011
- Extra
Composer Carlo Siliotto has recently scored his first English language feature film in several years. The comedy Without Men starring Eva Longoria, Christian Slater, Kate del Castillo and Oscar Nunez centers on a group of women of a small, remote Latin American mountain village that’s forever altered the day all of its men are recruited to go fight in the country’s civil war. The movie is based on James Canon’s Tales From the Town of Widows: A Novel and written for the screen and directed by Gabriela Tagliavini. The music for the film was recorded earlier this year in Bulgaria. Siliotto is best known internationally for his music for the 2004 comic book adaptation The Punisher and his Golden Globe-nominated score for Nomad: The Warrior. Maya Entertainment has picked up domestic rights for Without Men and is planning a theatrical release later this year.
- 7/3/2011
- by filmmusicreporter
- Film Music Reporter
Zsa Zsa Gabor's life is to be turned into a film. The 93-year-old Hungarian-born actress - who has been in and out of hospital since a fall from her bed in July - will see her life turned into a film by Italian director Gabriela Tagliavini, who has claimed she is a perfect celebrity to be the focus of a movie. According to the Insider, Tagliavini said: ''She's an original. Her free spirit, eccentricity and wicked wit made her one of the most memorable celebrities of our time.'' It is reported Gabor's husband Prince Frederic von Anhalt will be involved in the production of ..
- 9/24/2010
- Virgin Media - Movies
"The Insider" has learned that the rights to the salacious details of the life of legendary film actress Zsa Zsa Gabor have been acquired by director Gabriela Tagliavini, who plans to turn them into a movie. "A girl must marry for love, and keep on marrying until she finds it," Gabor once said, giving a glimpse into the life she led and what can be expected to be shown in the upcoming film. "She's an original," Tagliavini says of Zsa Zsa. "Her free spirit, eccentricity and wicked wit made her one of the most memorable celebrities of our time." Zsa Zsa's husband Prince Frederic von Anhalt will collaborate with the film's director in the making of the film.
[Read full story on The Insider]...
[Read full story on The Insider]...
- 9/23/2010
- by TheInsider
- TheInsider.com
Mumbai: Award-winning actress Yvette Yates is making her mark in Hollywood in a new comedy titled Without Men, a battle of the sexes film based on the international bestseller Tales From the Town of Widows by James Canon. The cast for this independent film also stars Eva Longoria Parker, Maria Conchita Alonso, Judy Reyes, Kate Del Castillo, Monica Huarte, Oscar Nunez and Christian Slater among others. Written by Gabriela Tagliavini, the film is set in a remote Latin American jungle (filmed in Santa Barbara) where Longoria Parker's character leads a group of women to fend for themselves ...
- 7/14/2010
- BusinessofCinema
Christian Slater and Eva Longoria Parker will star in the Latino comedy "Without Men." They join Paul Rodriguez, Oscar Nunez, Judy Reyes, Monica Huarte, Maria Conchita Alonso and Kate del Castillo in the film directed by Los Angeles-based director/writer Gabriela Tagliavini. Principal photography started this week near Santa Barbara. Producing are Anthony Moody, Lucas Jarach and Jason Price. Film is based on international bestseller by James Canon "Tales From the Town of Widows." Longoria stars as a leader of a group of women in a remote Latin American village forced to look after themselves when their men leave to fight in a civil war. A battle of the sexes takes place when the men come back try reclaim their power.
- 6/18/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Eva Longoria Parker and Christian Slater have joined the cast of the independent Latino comedy "Without Men." According to Variety, Gabriela Tagliavini ("Ladies' Night," "30 Days Until I'm Famous") is writing and directing. The script was adapted from the international bestseller "Tales From the Town of Widows" by James Canon.The cast includes Paul Rodriguez, Oscar Nunez, Judy Reyes, Monica Huarte, Maria Conchita Alonso and Kate del Castillo.The film focuses on Longoria's character as she leads a group of women in a remote Latin American village who have to fend for themselves after their men leave to fight in a civil war. The women refuse to give up their power when the men return.Principal photography is underway near Santa Barbara...
- 6/17/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Win one of two copies of "Paul Rodriguez: Comedy Rehab" on DVD! The brand new stand-up concert features a hilarious set from Paul Rodriguez and also includes sets from the hottest acts of Latin comedy. Filmed in Santa Fe and directed by Gabriela Tagliavini. Paul has pulled out all the stops to deliver the most gut-wrenching, laugh-out-loud performance of his already infamous career. Also in are Gene Pompa, Shayla Rivera and Manny Maldonado. Just send in all the required details and you're entered. Be sure to get your friends in as well!
- 3/30/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
NEW YORK -- Scott Steindorff's Stone Village Pictures is producing The Anatomist, writer-director Gabriela Tagliavini's adaptation of a controversial comic novel based on the true story of the 16th century surgeon who discovered the clitoris.
"It's a story that continues to be a mystery to many men," jokes Tagliavini, who directed the 2003 Spanish-language hit comedy Ladies' Night.
Federico Andahazi's book caused controversy in the author's native Argentina but won the prestigious Fortabat Foundation award in 1997 for best first novel by an Argentine, only to have sponsor Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat rescind the award when she learned about the subject matter.
Andahazi's book tells the fictionalized life story of Mateo Colombo, an "anatomist" whose desire for a high-priced Italian courtesan leads him to search for the physical source of love. During the course of the script, Colombo escapes execution during the Spanish Inquisition, cures the pope, pens a controversial book and creates a "treatment" that causes women to fall for him.
"It's a story that continues to be a mystery to many men," jokes Tagliavini, who directed the 2003 Spanish-language hit comedy Ladies' Night.
Federico Andahazi's book caused controversy in the author's native Argentina but won the prestigious Fortabat Foundation award in 1997 for best first novel by an Argentine, only to have sponsor Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat rescind the award when she learned about the subject matter.
Andahazi's book tells the fictionalized life story of Mateo Colombo, an "anatomist" whose desire for a high-priced Italian courtesan leads him to search for the physical source of love. During the course of the script, Colombo escapes execution during the Spanish Inquisition, cures the pope, pens a controversial book and creates a "treatment" that causes women to fall for him.
- 7/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Scott Steindorff's Stone Village Pictures is producing "The Anatomist", writer-director Gabriela Tagliavini's adaptation of a controversial comic novel based on the true story of the 16th century surgeon who discovered the clitoris.
"It's a story that continues to be a mystery to many men," jokes Tagliavini, who directed the 2003 Spanish-language hit comedy "Ladies' Night".
Federico Andahazi's book caused controversy in the author's native Argentina but won the prestigious Fortabat Foundation award in 1997 for best first novel by an Argentine, only to have sponsor Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat rescind the award when she learned about the subject matter.
Andahazi's book tells the fictionalized life story of Mateo Colombo, an "anatomist" whose desire for a high-priced Italian courtesan leads him to search for the physical source of love. During the course of the script, Colombo escapes execution during the Spanish Inquisition, cures the pope, pens a controversial book and creates a "treatment" that causes women to fall for him.
"It's a story that continues to be a mystery to many men," jokes Tagliavini, who directed the 2003 Spanish-language hit comedy "Ladies' Night".
Federico Andahazi's book caused controversy in the author's native Argentina but won the prestigious Fortabat Foundation award in 1997 for best first novel by an Argentine, only to have sponsor Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat rescind the award when she learned about the subject matter.
Andahazi's book tells the fictionalized life story of Mateo Colombo, an "anatomist" whose desire for a high-priced Italian courtesan leads him to search for the physical source of love. During the course of the script, Colombo escapes execution during the Spanish Inquisition, cures the pope, pens a controversial book and creates a "treatment" that causes women to fall for him.
- 7/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Madonna is among the executive producers of the VH1 original film 30 Days Until I'm Famous, which has been scheduled for May 7. Her Maverick Films shingle is producing the music-driven romantic comedy with Screenvest P4. Gabriela Tagliavini (Ladies Night) directs from a script by Laura Angelica Simon (Chasing Papi). Maggie Moreno (The Help) stars as a Latina messenger plucked from obscurity to become a pop star. Sean Patrick Flanery (The Boondock Saints) and Mindy Sterling (Austin Powers in Goldmember) also star. Shot in Los Angeles, the film also features original music from Kinky, the Black Eyed Peas, Soraya and Desi Arnaz.
- 4/16/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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