'How the Gringo Stole Christmas' is one of only a handful of Latino-centered holiday films ever made. This week, its director, Venezuelan-American Angel Gracia, joins the show to discuss this pressing question: Why are Latino holiday movies so rare? Plus, we discuss his rich three-decade journey in filmmaking, the challenges of authentically casting Latino roles, and the hard business truths of making art in Hollywood.
Episode Summary:
- Angel's diverse upbringing and experiences living as a foreigner in different countries, inform his storytelling
- Casting George Lopez and connecting with his real-life experience as a Latino dad to a daughter dating someone outside their culture
- Casting considerations and controversies around Latinx actors playing roles outside their specific heritage
- The business side of Hollywood casting and how it impacts creative decisions
- The importance of authenticity in storytelling while also serving the main genre/purpose of the story
- Angel's plans to build Super Studios, a new production studio and school in Texas, as a more affordable alternative to Hollywood
Highly Relevant Playlist
Monaco - Lagos feat. Danny Ocean
Cinturita - Reggie El Autentico
Yasser Tejeda - Pa’ Sembrar
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