Flavor of Life – An indie film with the spice of a Latino cast
Premieres in Los Angeles September 8, 2018 La Plaza de Cultura y Artes 501 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, 90012 (Downtown)
By Luis Reyes
A Film Review Exclusively for Latin Heat
Flavor of Life is the best magical food movie since Like Water for Chocolate and is a family-friendly crowd-pleaser.
An emotional heart-tugging contemporary drama, Flavor of Life is the story of Frank, a Los Angeles Chef who is estranged from his only grandson. When facing financial difficulties due to a change in the neighborhood, the grandson begrudgingly returns to help save his Grandfather’s beloved restaurant and in the process learns the magic of love through the culinary arts of Mexican cuisine.
Veteran actor Pepe Serna (Scarface, Downsizing) stars as Frank, the aging Chef. Serna brings gravitas and is the emotional heart of the film. At the latter stage of his career Serna has been allowed to stretch his acting muscles in a series of fully realized mature complex portrayals in such varied films as Man From Reno, Gino’s Wife and Downsizing.
Young handsome and talented new discovery Erick Lopez (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) co-stars as his grandson Albert. He is complemented by a young love interest Olivia played by Lorena McGregor (Cesar Chavez) who helps to heal Albert’s emotional wounds.
Erick Lopez, Lorena McGregor
Included in the supporting cast are Roberto Sanchez as a vigilant but kind hearted probation officer, Eddie Martinez as the volatile entrepreneur and the dependable actress Julia Vera as Tia Rosa. Victoria Ortiz and Ronnie Alvarez make up an eclectic ensemble as Frank’s restaurant employees. Rene Moran makes an impression as Ramirez, an old homie of Albert’s as does Juan Vasquez.
Julia Vera
Flavor of Life was written and directed by Indian-American Rajesh Golla who was inspired to make the film based on his own experiences dining at a Mexican restaurant he frequented near his home in Los Angeles. The first time director who is making his theatrical feature film debut remarked during a recent interview, “Mexican and Indian food, family and culture are very similar.”
The cinematography by Roberto Correa captures the colors and vibrancy of LatinX Los Angeles and the tantalizing imagery of Mexican cuisine. You’ll come out of the movie happy and with an irresistible urge to rush to the nearest Taco truck or Mexican restaurant for a tasty meal
Produced by Sandra Varona and Didi Li, the film was independently financed by Rajesh Golla. Flavor of Life premieres on Saturday September 8th, 8:00 P.M. at the Plaza De Cultura and Artes in Downtown Los Angeles with a star-studded free outdoor screening, where you can meet the cast and filmmakers.
Seating is first come, first served, So be there early and be the first ones to see and spread the buzz on Flavor of Life.
For more information call 213-542-6200 Plaza De Cultura and Artes
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