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Las Caminatas Films’ Sisters by Denisse Prieto, made mostly by women and spoken in English, will be screening at FICG

Maribel Ramos-Weiner| June 12, 2024

Sisters is a collaboration between CM Films, Nómada Films, and distributed by Spanglish Movies in movie theaters of Latin America and the US

The dramedy Sisters by Denisse Prieto, a Mexican-American collaboration between Las Caminatas Films, CM Films, and Nómada Films, will be screened at the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) from June 11th to 13th. This English-language film, directed and starring mostly women, is distributed by Spanglish Movies.

Sisters stands out for being a female-driven dramedy. Led by producer Denisse Prieto, whose credits include box office hits like Una Mujer sin Filtro and En las Buenas y en las Malas for Videocine, the film fosters a Mexican-American collaboration. Despite its Guadalajara roots, the dialogue is entirely in English,” Humberto Carrera, EVP and executive producer of Nómada Films, told PRODU.

Carrera noted that Sisters boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Among the stars is Marta Méndez Cross, with credits including the acclaimed series Criminal Minds.” Joining her are Virginia Novello, and rising talent Cristo Fernández, fresh off his scene-stealing role as Danny Rojas in Apple TV+’s hit comedy Ted Lasso and also in Acapulco. Rounding out the cast is Valeria Maldonado, whose voice brings the character of Coco to life.

The seed for Sisters was planted when Las Caminatas Films, led by producer and actor Gonzalo Ruiz de Velasco, discovered a promising but underdeveloped story. As Carrera explains, “They approached CM Films and me with the idea. These women were already making the film independently, and Las Caminatas saw an opportunity to support their vision. We were all drawn to the project, and Cristo Fernández joined the production team as well.”

The film will be released in the US the first week of December, mainly in cinema circuits on the West Coast, and will then will go to Mexico.

Sisters received a financial boost when Las Caminatas Films won a contest held by Amazon to support independent producers. This win secured an Amazon screening in Los Angeles. However, Carrera emphasizes the film’s need for wider distribution. “We’re working with Spanglish Movies to explore all channels,” he said. “While we have theatrical releases planned in the US and likely Mexico, we’re also pursuing opportunities with streaming services. Sisters is a unique product – a Latin story with English dialogue – and we want to ensure audiences around the world can discover it.”

THE STORY
Three Mexican-American sisters, María, Sofía, and Lucía, were once inseparable. Now, as adults, a deep betrayal has fractured their bond. When María receives a devastating cancer diagnosis, she embarks on a life-changing pilgrimage through the heart of Jalisco, determined to reunite her fractured family. Joined by their estranged sisters, María leads them on a spiritual journey filled with enchanting encounters and the captivating magic of Mexico. Yet, simmering tensions between Sofía and Lucía threaten to tear them apart once more. As they navigate breathtaking landscapes, their pilgrimage becomes a desperate search for healing, forgiveness, and a chance to rediscover their lost sisterhood.

“Distributing Sisters, a film starring Cristo Fernández, Marta Cross, Valeria Maldonado, and Virginia Novello, is a privilege. It explores the miracles that blossom from faith and the enduring strength of family. The film beautifully portrays the powerful connection Latinos share with their ancestors, a bond that transcends generations,” commented Gustavo Aparicio, CEO of Spanglish Movies.