1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 'How the Gringo Stole Christmas' is one of only a handful of Latino-centered holiday films ever made. This week, its director, Venezuelan-American Angel Gracia, joins the show to discuss this pressing question: Why are Latino holiday movies so rare? Plus, we discuss his rich three-decade journey in filmmaking, the challenges of authentically casting Latino roles, and the hard business truths of making art in Hollywood. Episode Summary: Angel's diverse upbringing and experiences living as a foreigner in different countries, inform his storytelling Casting George Lopez and connecting with his real-life experience as a Latino dad to a daughter dating someone outside their culture Casting considerations and controversies around Latinx actors playing roles outside their specific heritage The business side of Hollywood casting and how it impacts creative decisions The importance of authenticity in storytelling while also serving the main genre/purpose of the story Angel's plans to build Super Studios, a new production studio and school in Texas, as a more affordable alternative to Hollywood Highly Relevant Playlist Monaco - Lagos feat. Danny Ocean Cinturita - Reggie El Autentico Yasser Tejeda - Pa’ Sembrar Subscribe to Highly Relevant with Jack Rico where we explore how Latino pop culture is reshaping mainstream entertainment. Highly Relevant with Jack Rico https://showbizcafe.com <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/34431005/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/34431005