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At a Screening of Dog Man the Movie

It was an enjoyable screening with two of the grandsons. The five year old said it was happy and sad at the same time. And he loved it! The twelve year old who has read …

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Unstoppable Streaming on Prime Video

Unstoppable is the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) who was born with one leg but whose indomitable spirit and unbreakable resolve empowered him to defy the odds and pursue his dreams. With the …

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 The Speed to the BoxOffice

“Sonic 3 will beat out Mufasa, for sure!” — JimmityCritic (12) Sonic the Hedgehog 3, what a fun evening with the grandkids it was. When you have a 12, 10 and 5 year-old clap their hands at the end …

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Mufasa: The Lion King the Prequel

Mufasa: The Lion King was entertaining and the production value was amazing to watch. Set in Africa, all-new film blends live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery.  My 12 year-old grandson thought it was one …

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I’m Still Here the Official Brazilian Submission to the Oscars

I’m Still Here is an official Brazilian submission to the 97th Academy Awards. We really enjoyed this film. It’s a tough story with a lot of heart. And it has a great cast.   Synopsis: …

At a Screening of Dog Man the MovieUnstoppable Streaming on Prime VideoSonic the Hedgehog 3 The Speed to the BoxOfficeMufasa: The Lion King the PrequelI’m Still Here the Official Brazilian Submission to the Oscars

Flaco Navaja Spoken-Words with A Twist

Flaco Navaja

By Mabel Aragon

Influenced by the effect the pandemic has had worldwide, singer, poet and actor Flaco Navaja turned his perspective and experiences into a musical collaboration with close friend Latin Grammy Winner Obie Bermudez, producing and releasing his new single Cántale A La Vida (Sing a Song to Life).

“Early on during the pandemic, a melody popped into my head. It was as simple as that. And, it was the first time that a melody came in the form of the entire song…It was an organic response to what’s happening and a need to contribute to the narrative.”   

Born and raised in the Bronx, this Puerto Rican musician combines salsa and spoken word, blending classic salsa sounds with hip-hop in a manner that’s seamless to the listener. 

“Salsa music has always been a part of the soundtrack of my life, but so has hip-hop and so has classic rock and roll, and other things that I got. I’m the youngest of five, so I kind of inherited the musical tastes of my older siblings.” 

An ensemble member of Pregones Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, in 2019, Navaja performed Evolution of a Sonero to critical acclaim. This passionate performer has worked with the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. His film and TV credits include Pride & Glory, Fighting, Gun Hill Road, Law & Order, CSI NY and East Willy B among other productions.                                           

Cántale A La Vida is available on all digital platforms including Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon Music, Spotify and SoundCloud.

Heroes Of Lucha Libre to Launch Thanksgiving Day! On Crackle

Crackle Plus, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company, announced the U.S. premiere of its original series, Heroes of Lucha Libre, launching on Wednesday, November 25. Directed by Alfredo Widman (The Red Thread), the 11-part scripted series stars professional luchadores Rey Mysterio Jr., Mil Mascaras, Tinieblas Jr, Alushe, Dragon Lee, and Blue Demon.

Heroes of Lucha Libre celebrates and honors the rich cultural tradition of the Lucha Libre sport while integrating an imaginative comic book storyline. With a contemporary spin on the action in the ring, the series features superhero elements making it unique to other content of its genre. Produced and created by Joaquin Vodanovich alongside Alejandro Ortiz, who also wrote the series.

“I grew up watching these heroes with my grandfather in Mexico. Now I want to share all those emotions and admiration with the world and help to inspire future generations,” said producer Alejandro Ortiz. “Lucha Libre tradition has been in our culture for over 100 years and we want to honor that heritage in the way it deserves. We think Crackle is the best partner to do just that,” said producer Joaquin Vodanovich.

Airway: The Battle To Breathe Documentary

Emmy award-winning director and producer Ed Wiseman shares with Mabel Aragon his latest project entitled, Airway: The Battle To Breathe. The documentary follows Sydney Avis, who has been struggling with forgetfulness, lack of sleep and exhaustion since she was 2-years-old. 

Sydney’s journey has led her to many doctors and she’s endured numerous tests and procedures over the last few years. Although the experts have been helpful, she still searches for a permanent solution.

“This became part of her personal growth. It’s like I need to go through this. I need to breathe better. I need to feel better…She has become the grand coper of life.” 

Ed and his team accompany this brave young woman as she seeks an end to her ordeal and answers to a largely undiagnosed epidemic. Follow Sydney’s progress as the cameras proceed to chronicle her challenging and uplifting moments. For more information visit Airway documentary.

Allison Strong From the Garden State to Broadway and More

Raised in the Garden State, Allison Strong has been working on her craft since she was a little girl, getting an early start performing with the Park Performing Arts Center in Union City, New Jersey. 

This actress, singer/songwriter of Colombian descent is making her childhood dreams come true. At the age of 18, Allison was selected from a casting call to join the stage production of Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway. In 2014, she released her debut album, March Towards The Sun, where she sings in both English and Spanish. When asked about one of her favorite moments on screen, Allison said it was playing Adam Sandler’s daughter in the 2018 American comedy film, The Week Of, also starring Chris Rock.

“I was raised by a single parent and I always imagined, you know, what it would be like, a father-daughter dance and stuff like that. And so with him, I got to have that experience, and it was truly a genuine emotional moment for me.” 

Mabel Aragon had an entertaining virtual experience during quarantine with this performing artist as she shared more about her adventures on camera, stage and goals she has yet to achieve.

Covid19…Sins & Virtues A New Anthology

Some may call it the perfect storm; when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. And, that’s exactly what Alex Mendoza, executive producer of a fourteen episode feature length anthology film entitled, COVID19…Sins & Virtues, shared with Mabel Aragon, about what he created with the collaboration of 17 different crews made up of peers, friends and family members across two countries.

The 14 episodes Anthology titled Covid19…Sins & Virtues is being produced by Mendoza and True Form Films: Yeniffer Behrens (The Way Back, Grey’s Anatomy) and Mauricio Mendoza (Resurrection Blvd, Criminal Minds). Each episode is original. Filmmakers had the freedom to choose genre, story, style and runtime. The requisites: 1) It must have been filmed with assets at hand. 2) The story must use COVID-19 forced isolation only as background. 3) The episode must relate to the randomly assigned sin/virtue as the episode’s central theme.

It took two days to get together 14 creative teams. No open call was ever issued. All episodes were written and developed in less than three weeks, with most episodes having finished principal photography as of May 15, 2020.

Participants Include: Jon Allen, Sergio Arau, Fidel Arizmendi, Wendi Bazar-Besasie, Yeniffer Behrens, Adan Bernal, Carlo Besasiem, Caroline Brethenoux, Camille Cortes, Jason Coulter, Mochi DaKat, Hernan De Beky, Kim DeVenne, Olivia DeVenne, Alejandro Edda, Jasmin Espada, César Gamiño, Frances Garcia, Emmaluna Garcia, Michael Garcia, Hugo García, Juan Gil, Falco IlCaninus, Marabina Jaimes, Arthur Koutsoumbaris, Susie Lohse, Betty Lopez, Alassandra Lopez, Eddie Martinez, Ashley Martinez, Amy Martinez, Alejandro Mendoza, Mauricio Mendoza, Julianna Mia Mendoza-Behrens, Adrian Moreira-Behrens, Miguel Paredes, Laura Patalano, Brittany Patalano, Shanay Patalano, Salim Sanchez, Jesus Schettino, Jessica Thomas-Martinez, Chuti Tiu, Alex Toedtli Mera, Oscar Torre, Savira Windyani, and Sofia Yepes. 

Look out for the second wave…

Ben DeJesus An Award-winning Documentary Filmmaker

Photo: courtesy of Ben DeJesus

Tony nominated filmmaker Ben DeJesus whose built a reputable career working on television projects, documentaries, branded and digital content, spent some time with Mabel Aragon discussing his latest project, Raúl Juliá: The World’s a Stage, which received an Emmy nomination as part of PBS’ American Masters. 

“I was always aware of Raul Juliá and the amazing career he had as a Puerto Rican on Broadway, and as someone who was aspiring to something similar, there was him and John Leguizamo that I really looked up to and idolized.”

Ben also talks about his work as co-founder of NGL Studios, joined by his partners John Leguizamo and David Chitel.

Ralph Rivera, A Real Dream Chaser

By Mabel Aragon

Hollywood trailblazer Rafael J. Rivera-Viruet, known in the industry as Ralph Rivera, is a movie financier, executive and author originally from Puerto Rico. His book Dream Chaser–The Business of Showbiz was nominated by the 22nd International Latino Books Awards, the largest Latino cultural awards in the United States.  

“This particular award makes me so humble because I’m almost 80 years old, you know, and I’m still fulfilling my dreams.”

He shared with Mabel Aragon his passion for the industry and desire for Latinos to have more opportunities in the development and creative process.

“Follow your dream, go with confidence and you will get there, and you will make changes.”

Hispanicize Celebrates Its Tenth Year!

The annual Hispanicize Summit will be held virtually this year. Mabel Aragon spoke to NGL Collective Founder and CEO David Chitel and event hosts Jessica Flores and Enrique Sapene, who provided a sneak peek of some of the surprises viewers can expect from this celebration.  

“We’re going to have amazing dialogue and discussions and really talk about issues that are impacting the Latinx community today, which is so important; and the fact that anybody is able to just tune in and get all this wisdom and knowledge, I think is amazing,” says Jessica Flores.

David Chitel adds, “It’s a message of unity and empowerment for the Latino community.”

List of Speakers:
Aaron Walton, Alicia Menendez, Anaid Quijada, Andrekza, Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri, Anne Vasquez, Aymee Nuviola, Bamby Salcedo, Ben Lopez, Byron Salas, Carlos Ponce, Claudia Romo Edelman, Cristela Alonzo, Dash Harris Machado, DJ Chava, Eddie Olmos, Ellen Ochoa, Father Agustino Torres, Henry R. Muñoz III, Jack Rico, Jessica Alba, Jessica Molina, Jessie Woolley-Wilson, John Henry, John Leguizamo, Julian Castro, Julissa Calderon, Kim Guerra, Laith Ashley, Marcee Martinez, Mariah Angeliq, Mario Lopez, Mario X. Carrasco, Melissa Fumero, Mexican Gueys, Mike Madrid, Monica Ramirez, Natasha Alexis Martinez, Mayra Macias, Oliver familia (Andrea, Manny, Patricia and Guac), Oscar de la Hoya, Petition, RaqC, Rebecca Antonia Rodriguez, Victor Ramos, Xolo Maridueña, Yarel Ramos, and Yvette Peña.

Hispanicize takes place October 15 from 9A – 2P PST/ 12P – 5P EST. Tune in by visiting Hispanicize. 

New Romantic Comedy In Other Words

Behind the scenes of the new romantic comedy In Other Words, screened at 2020 New York Latino Film Festival.

Award-winning television and film content creators, filmmakers Patrick Perez Vidauri and Cristina Nava, along with actors Bryan McClure and Natasha Esca spoke to Mabel Aragon about their new romantic comedy In Other Words, which was screened on opening night of the 2020 New York Latino Film Festival.

“This is a love letter to Mexico and to Valle de Guadalupe because it [the story] just wrote itself,” says Cristina Nava.

Synopsis: A tech whiz named True finally lands an investor for his matchmaking app. When True matches with a beautiful woman who doesn’t speak English, he travels to Mexico to prove his algorithm isn’t dysfunctional. To get the girl and close the deal of a lifetime, he must find a way to overcome the language barrier–and his own fears and insecurities.

Released in September On Digital and On Demand and airing on HBO Latino in February 2021, the film also features former SNL alum Chris Kattan, Edy Ganem, Renee Victor, and Enrique Castillo.

DC FanDome Experience !

Art by Jim Lee

DC FanDome has been expanded into two global events—the first on August 22–DC FanDome: Hall of Heroes, and a second on-demand experience in DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse on September 12, where fans can create and curate their own adventure. And–fans can now teleport their FanDome experience as both will be accessible across all mobile platforms (in addition to desktop).

  • DC FanDome: Hall of Heroes: On Saturday, August 22, at 10:00A PDT, fans will be transported into the DC FanDome: Hall of Heroes, an epic world designed personally by Jim Lee featuring special programming, panels and exclusive reveals from a wide variety of films, TV series, games, comics and more. 
    • The superpowered eight-hour show will be available for fans around the world to watch exclusively 3x in the 24-hour period.
  • DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse: On Saturday, September 12, at 10:00am PDT, fans will be able to create their own timeline! The great thing about this event is that it will be on demand, giving you the ability to curate your own unique experience via our Official DC FanDome Online Scheduler Tool. 
    • A lot of the content you were super excited to see from our multiple islands will now be housed here, and will be available for you to watch throughout the 24-hour period. 
    • Fans can now choose their own adventure and will have more time to immerse themselves in all the hours of curated programming—at their own pace and on their own schedule. 
    • This also allows us to provide the best user experience, and will now not only be available on your desktop computer but across all mobile devices.
    • DC Kids FanDome will also launch on Saturday, September 12, at its own kid-friendly companion site at DCKidsFanDome.com.

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