Award Winning, "This Boy's Vida: Made in America" to Screen as Official Selection of the HBO Latino Film Festival

New York, NY, August 08, 2019 --(PR.com)-- The award winning series, "This Boy’s Vida: Made in America," from Writer/Creator, Joseph Castillo-Midyett, Co-Directed by the highly acclaimed, Adrienne Lovette, will screen part of its pilot episode as an official selection of the HBO Latino Film Festival Saturday, August 17th at 11am at the AMC Empire 25 (234 West 42nd St, Between 7th & 8th Ave.) "This Boy’s Vida" is the coming of age story of Little Joe, a Latinx boy who must choose to save his family or follow a dream amidst the violence and poverty-stricken underbelly of America. Inspired by true events, this retelling of an American tale, takes an intimate look at the U.S. immigration system, justice, and true deprivation through the eyes of a child.

A nominee and award winner in over a dozen festivals and competitions world-wide, "This Boy’s Vida" has ignited a new perspective on a polarizing topic. Recently hailed by media as the “latinx bad boy of story-telling,” Castillo-Midyett’s guerilla style, tone and structure have set him apart in an industry inundated with sameness and soul-less content. Joseph Castillo-Midyett’s method of delicately revealing hard truths with an impish delight that belies the heavy subject matter are uncanny at a time when such hard topics are commonly spoken of, but rarely understood. His precision of feeling and thought are revealed through intimacy and vulnerability that instantly connect the audience with the characters no matter their race, religion or socio-economic standing.

"I was drawn to the project right away," says Adrienne Lovette, co-director of TBV and founder of award winning THE GARAGE PRODUCTIONS. "The visceral humanity revealed in Joseph’s characters and the insight he provides into the human condition are both arresting and engaging. I was immediately connected to the story and knew in my heart that, together, we would create magic."

Adrienne and Joe worked tirelessly on the project to create a feel and soundscape that both celebrated the Latinx culture the story is born out of, while emphasizing the very human moments and thoughts of each character. The music, composed by Andrew Markus, is almost a character itself that re-iterates the world and heart of the piece.

The visual component of the story telling was crucial to both directors, who looked far and wide for a Cinematographer who would be able to tell the story authentically, while honoring its highly affecting component of magical realism. They found that in Nicolás López, the incomparable filmmaker and DP whose own work has gained him accolades the world over. "Nicolás, was a God send," recounts Adrienne, "to find someone with his capacity for storytelling through the lens is a unicorn in this industry." The fearless trio matched with stellar actors and a passionate production team have created something truly special that is destined to change story telling in the scripted world season after award winning season.

Gisela Chípe, Executive Producer for TBV couldn’t be prouder and more excited for the project and team; “As an EP, it is my goal to bring important stories of la gente to la gente.” The entire team behind the project has pursued the telling of Little Joe’s story with the conviction to make a real difference in storytelling and global P.O.C. conversation and policies. “It is a call to listen as much as a call to action and tells a story people are hungry to hear,” says Heidi-Marie Ferren, a Los Angeles based producer on the project. The marketplace is keen for inclusive stories, stories that define and echo these divisive times. People want content that is a reflection of them, content that informs them and engages them in their culture and the global conversations that infect and affect every single person on the planet.

"This Boy’s Vida" somehow manages to do all of those things, while allowing the audience to laugh and cry their way to deeper unity, understanding, compassion and connection. This rare and beautiful project is absolutely not to be missed. The straight to series half-hour drama is set for pre-production in Spring of 2020 with interest piling up from distributors and production houses stateside and abroad. “It’s a really exciting time to be a storyteller,” says Joseph. “This is a story that can only be 'made in America.' It is my story and the story of so many incredible people who helped make this incredible country. It is my honor to honor them through this series and I look forward to being part of positive change for our P.O.C. community, our country and our world.”

You can keep up with "This Boy’s Vida: Made in America" by visiting them online at: www.thisboysvida.com and on Facebook and Instagram: @thisboysvida