As soon as I found out that AARP was partnering with the New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) to host a free screening of Say a Little Prayer at Regal Edwards Houston Marq’E, I knew I just had to see it and immediately registered with my guest. This film was written by Nancy De Los Santos, and directed by Patrick Perez Vidauri. The main costars are Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Luis Fonsi and Emmy-nominated Latina actress Vannessa Vásquez.
Before the screening, Mr. Vidauri introduced his Indie film and encouraged everyone to support it, “This little kind of Indie film movement is a dying art form. In the United States, everything is going to these huge tentpole blockbusters…Our little film, we could make 200 of those if they split the money around. So, we do need your support…if you like it we hope you’ll join our mailing list and tell your friends about it.” Mr. Vidauri is the co-founder of Migrant Filmworks Inc., which began producing independent feature comedies in 2011.
“We make films for everyone. These are not Latino films. They are films that are inclusive, that are American, [and] this particular film is a Texan movie. We do highlight Latinos that are not drug dealers, maids, [or] border crossers. We have been here for many generations and we’re just as American as everyone else. So, that’s what we want to show. Without any more words, I would like to invite you to watch our film ‘Say a Little Prayer’.” Mr. Vidauri said. The title of the film is very charming, the cast is impressive, and as soon as I sat in the theater with my complimentary popcorn and soft drink, I was completely stoked to see the movie!
Immediately what made this film even more wholesome was its setting of San Antonio. The locations highlighted throughout the film were La Villita Historic Arts Village, the River Walk, Centro de Artes Gallery, Main Plaza, Historic Market Square, and San Antonio International Airport. Even the characters’ outfits matched the style of Texans living in San Antonio. What makes this film even more special is that the lead actress, Ms. Vásquez, is from Houston and she was naturally able to share her love of San Antonio through her role as Adela.
I interviewed Ms.Vásquez the following month and her pride in being from Houston and her thoughts on filming in San Antonio stood out. “It’s been a huge honor especially to be from here and to be able to portray our culture, not just to the USA, but to the world,” Ms. Vásquez said. “A lot of people don’t know what our culture is like.” As she spoke about Texas culture, I realized that there are not many films being made about Texans that are Latino. Ms. Vasquez mentioned the last time the world saw Tex-Mex culture on screen was from the Selena movie and raved about how it is a global sensation. As a native Houstonian myself, I can attest to both films’ accuracy in depicting Tex-Mex culture.
Being from Texas, filming the movie in San Antonio had special meaning for Ms. Vásquez. “San Antonio is the weekend getaway, no matter where you live in Texas.” Ms. Vasquez said. “It’s where you go with your family or with your romantic partner…I never thought that I would be filming there or bringing a project back home.” This nostalgia for San Antonio made it easy for Ms. Vasquez to portray her character Adela’s fascination with the city in the film.
The film was overall a feel-good movie, with a great balance of romance and comedy. As a Latina from Texas myself, watching this film was very special to me. The story follows the journey of three friends—Adela (Ms. Vásquez), Ruby (Jackie Cruz), and Cristina (Vivian Lamolli)—who turn to an ancient prayer in their search for true love. As they recite their wishes, they find themselves entangled in unexpected and humorous situations while navigating relationships with unworthy partners.
The film also stars legendary Mexican actress Angélica María as Adela’s Nana. Mr. Fonsi debuts as Rafael, the film’s main love interest. Notably, Mr. Fonsi’s latest single, “Prayer In Your Eyes”, is from a pivotal love scene between Adela and Rafael in the movie. I absolutely adored how the film included Tex-Mex music and dance culture as Adela and Rafael began to go on dates all around San Antonio. Everything about Say a Little Prayer realistically showcased Latinos living in San Antonio and their Texan culture.
The advanced screening ended with a Q&A with the Director along with some of the cast of the film. The attendees had an opportunity to take photos with Ms. Vásquez and to receive a free prayer card decorated with the movie’s name on it as a souvenir. This event was open to the public and the Houston community turned out to see the film. It was wonderful seeing Ms. Vasquez again and taking another photo with her! The first time I met her was last year when I won a scholarship on Latina Equal Payday from Power On Heels Fund, Inc. and she delivered an inspiring keynote speech about following your dreams and fighting for the pay we deserve.
Ms. Vásquez has been a long-time advocate for women’s equal rights as a supporter of Latina Equal Payday and her role as Adela aligns with her values. “My character moves to San Antonio from a small town, because she has big dreams.” Ms. Vásquez said. “She is all about making sure she’s successful, and her friends are successful, and at the same time struggling with Can I be successful and have a relationship at the same time?” She continued on about how oftentimes women are stuck in the predicament of choosing between either their personal relationships or their careers. Her advice to those women is “Follow your dreams. Whatever you feel you deserve. If you feel like you deserve both, you can have both. Or, if you just want one. That’s okay too…Own who you are and know all your dreams are valid.” Ms. Vásquez said.
Her advice to any young Latinas wanting to pursue a career in acting is: “Do it…I truly do believe that if you have that desire, it’s because it’s real. It’s because there’s something that you’re supposed to do.” Ms. Vásquez said. She recalled how before moving to Los Angeles, she worked hard and followed her dreams to become an actress for two years until she finally landed a lead role in the successful Hulu series, East Los High. She finished her advice by reminding everyone to make sure to remember your why and to not chase fame.
Say a Little Prayer officially premieres today in select theaters nationwide.
Wow Amazing article love it , I will surely see the movie especially since it’s based out of our beautiful Texas. The cast looks amazing and I love a that it’s a romcom especially with Latinos.