An “unapologetic” Coolist thumbs up for VIDA!
Premiering on STARZ Sunday, May 6 at 8:30pm ET/PT
There was a drizzle the evening the VIDA premiere, STARZ’s latest series at the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live. But that would not put a damper on the evening. You knew it was going to be good, when they took the time to close off the street to make room for a tent under which the Red Carpet arrivals of the cast and creatives posing for the hoard of paparazzi. The “East of Downtown” vibe was in full swing on the other end of the tent with a taco truck and their delicious tacos with salsas to seal the deal of authenticity. But wait there was more. Margaritas, street elote (corn) with all the fixings — mayo, cheese and red chile powder topping! The churros were to die for, all working in conjunction with the ecclectic “east los “music vibes by an all female group from DJ Xica Soul.
A truly Latinx event — familia, friends, food, music and a screening that started a half hour late (and still that was not enough time for all the “chisme” and catching up being done by attendees). The introduction to the screening was made by Chris Albrecht President and CEO of STARZ who spoke about the journey of the series to screen and who seemed genuinely wowed by Tanya Saracho, the creator and showrunner of VIDA, which was inspired by a short story by Richard Villegas Jr.
(L-R) STARZ CEO Chris Albrecht, Elected Official Jeffrey Prang, California State Senator Kevin de Leon, Tanya Saracho and Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price attend STARZ “VIDA” L.A. Red Carpet (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for STARZ)
There were “politicos” in attendance to commend Saracho with a beautiful proclamation. The message from the “politicos” — VIDA is good for L.A.
“L.A. is the creative capital of the world — and we need diversity in front of and behind the camera to bring the most remarkable stories to life,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Starz’s ‘Vida‘ puts a spotlight on one of our most vibrant communities and opens doors for more Angelenos to pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry.
– Eric Garcetti, Mayor, City of Los Angeles
“On behalf of the California State Assembly and the 63rd Assembly District, congratulations on the premiere of ‘Vida‘. While Latinos, women, and the LGBTQ Latinx community are often underrepresented in modern media, ‘Vida‘ offers an authentic depiction of East Los Angeles’ most diverse communities. I look forward to seeing STARZ’s continued commitment to promoting and celebrating diversity in Los Angeles. I wish you continued success.”
– Anthony Rendon, California State Assembly Speaker
As the screening began Saracho proclaimed the series “Unapologetic”. Unapologetically Latinx, Spanglish, queer…unapologetically Mexican and proud.
The series takes a fresh look at a modernized East Los Angeles. Light on gangs (because L.A. stats show gang activity is down), in your face sexuality, cultural hangups, gender issues, and a large dose of gentrification. Then throw in a curandera, lots of flan, steamy sex scenes, great writing with a fine mix of English, Spanish and Spanglish; and the colorful backdrop of Boyle Heights — East Los, and we are wowed.
The series takes a fresh look at a modernized East Los Angeles. Light on the gangs , and in your face sexuality and gender issues, with a large dose of gentrification. Throw in a curandera, lots of flan, steamy sex scenes and the beautiful backdrop of the colorful neighborhood that is Boyle Heights — East Los and we are wowed.
Melissa Barrera as Emma and Mishel Prada as Emma in Starz VIDA
VIDA is a half-hour STARZ Original Series focusing on two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and surprising truth about their mother’s identity.
The audience at the premiere was treated to two episodes, enough to leave us wanting to see the remaining of four in an order of six. Recently VIDA made its world premiere as the official episodic selection and Audience Award winner at the 2018 SXSW Film Festival last month.
VIDA gives the all-Latino cast a chance to shine in a way no other TV series has done in the past (East Los High did the same online). With fully fleshed and multi-faceted roles, the actors deliver and command your attention.
In attendance were cast members Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada, Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda, Maria Elena Laas, Ramses Jimenez-Torres, Elizabeth De Razzo, Elena Campbell-Martinez, Erika Soto, Luis Bordonada, Adelina Anthony, Renée Victor and Rose Portillo; and Creator, Showrunner, Executive ProducerTanya Saracho; Composer Germaine Franco; Starz Executives: Chris Albrecht, Carmi Zlotnik and Marta Fernandez; and Government Officials Curren Price, Jeff Prang and Kevin DeLeon.
Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine Nine), Lamorne Morris, Luis Guzmán (Code Blue), Bethany Mota (YouTube Influencer), Raul Castillo (Looking), actor/writer Armando Molina, writer Evangeline Ordaz, and Robert Sepulveda Jr. (LGBTQ activist).
Alonso Ruizpalacios directed the first episode. Executive producing will be Marc Turtletaub, Peter Saraf and Robin Schwartz of Big Beach TV. Lionsgate has all domestic and international multiplatform rights, including broadcast, home entertainment and digital for the series. Starz senior vice president of original programming Marta Fernandez and manager of original programming Kathleen Clifford are the executives in charge of VIDA.
A star making vehicle for the relatively unknown cast. I am sure we will get to see more episodes beyond the first ordered six.
An “unapologetic” Coolist thumbs up for VIDA!
VIDA Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VidaSTARZ/
Twitter: @VIDA_STARZ
Instagram: @vida_starz
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