A ver mi gente! If you are looking for a movie to watch tonight with your family, look no further than Eva Longoria’s “Flamin’ Hot.”
The Story
“Flamin’ Hot” is based on Richard Montañez’s book, “A Boy, a Burrito and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive.” The book chronicles this Mexican-American’s journey from janitor to inventing the beloved Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Even though there is a debate as to how much of a role Montañez actually played in the creation of the product, there is no debate about Montañez’s role as creator of the Hispanic Division of FritoLays.
Our team had the privilege of watching the movie at this year’s LALIFF opening night ceremonies, and the first thing I noticed was the constant reaction from everyone who watched the film: emotion and pride! This felt like our film. It touched on many of the things that we as a community have had to endure such as racism, classism, stereotype, despair, and celebration.
‘Flamin’ Hot’ offers a little bit for everyone: love, humor, generational trauma, and most importantly, the sure will of the hard-working Latino worker.
With a majority Latino cast and crew such as Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Emilio Rivera, and among others, ‘Flamin’ Hot’ proves that we can create stories that inspire our Comunidad.
When asked about the importance of pushing Latinos in front and behind the cameras, Eva Longoria replied, “So important, I would never have dreamed that I would have a film opening LALIFF one day,” she added, “Our community is full of stories and amazing storytellers, I am proud of this cast and this crew. We just need nuestra gente to show up because studios will say these movies don’t work, those actors don’t work, and the director doesn’t work. We have to flex our muscles at the box office.” Full Red Carpet Interviews
The Verdict
Flamin’ Hot is a MUST-SEE. It is a true celebration of not only Montañez’s success but of our Latino heritage and culture. It is inspiring and depicts the true essence of the Latino fighting spirit, our values, our pure determination, our humor, and our struggles.
It’s time we start supporting films that showcase hardworking Latino success. Let’s show Hollywood that our stories are strong and that they have the same value on screen as we have in this country from the fields to the corporate office.
So grab some Hot Cheetos because “Flamin’ Hot” is streaming now on Hulu and Disney+
