Starz new Latinx drama series Vida has rounded out its cast with Elena Campbell-Martínez (The Big Bang Theory), Ramses Jimenez (Fear the Walking Dead), Luis Bordonada (Better Call Saul), Elizabeth De Razzo (The 33), Renee Victor (Coco), Adelina Anthony (Bruising for Besos) and Erika Soto (Romeo & Juliet stage production) set for recurring roles.

This winter has seen a variety of different releases of films directed by Latinx directors, including Cooco and The Shape of Water. Joining that list is the soon to be released film Ferdinand, directed by Carlos Saldanha.  We can expect to see this in theatres on December 15th 2017.  

Carlos Saldanha, who is known for his work in the Ice Age and Rio franchises. Needless to say, Carlos Saldanha is an animated animal expert.  With his latest, Ferdinand, Saldanha gives his take on the classic story of a pacifist fighting bull, first told in Munro Leaf’s classic 1936 children’s book, and later, in an Oscar-winning Disney short. A 2004 Oscar nominee for his Gone Nutty animated short, Saldanha would take Blue Sky Studios to its fourth Oscar nomination if the film makes it into the final batch of animated contenders.

The film also features the voices of a variety of other Latinx individuals such as the NALIP Lupe Award Winning Actress and advocate Gina Rodriguez (Una). Viewers will also be hearing the voices of Juanes (Juan), Gabriel Iglesias (Cuartro), and Belita Moreno (Shopkeeper). NALIP is thrilled to see many Latinx individuals showcasing their talents in a feature animation. 

In an interview with Deadline, Carlos discusses a film with a message of tolerance, kindness and love. 

This past week, The National Association of Independent Producers,  NALIP attended Ventana Sur, Latin America’s biggest film market set in Argentina. Highlights included the Trends Awards, where NALP Member, Angel Manuel Soto won the 02 Filmes Award for his VR project "Dinner Party."  NALIP also took advantage in exploring opportunities for NALIP members from Latin America in the US and has begun talks for facilitating co-productions abroad.