Alfonso Arau’s new feature film, Legend of Latin Lovers, is set to be filmed in the Riviera Maya starting in the summer of this year. The film is a coproduction between Mexico and the United States and will place the Riviera Maya in the eyes of thousands of movie buffs around the world.

The film is a comedy depicting what it is like to fall in love, a very universal matter; it will show a “Latin lover” who pretends to conquer but ends up being conquered. Arau was attracted to the project because of how universal it is and because of the typical assumption that Latinos are very Casanova, when tourists can be like that, as well. The project is due to show the beautiful Riviera Maya because, as Arau puts it, “it is a place that God made for vacationing”.

Legend of Latin Lovers, which will be produced by Steve Barnett, will show scenery such as Party Center, in Cancun, the hotel zone, ecological and natural parks, and even the cenote route in Puerto Morelos. But the question in everyone’s mind is how this project will benefit the destination?

While the film is most certainly not the first one to be filmed in our beautiful paradise, Rocío Mena Réndiz, president of the Caribbean Public Relations Association, is happy that they chose the Riviera Maya because the film will be distributed around the world giving people the expectation to travel and visit Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum in the future, generating greater tourism in the area.

The film will also help promote the good image of the Riviera Maya around the world, according to Ximena de Córdova Cole, director of the Cancun Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Alfonso Arau is a Mexican director with a long career in film. He has directed actors such as Keanue Reeves and Anthony Quinn (A Walk in the Clouds, 1995) or Martin Short and Steve Martin (Three Amigos, 1986), amongst many other famous Mexican actors and actresses. Other successful films of him include Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate, 1992) and La Trampa de la Luz (2010), his most recent film as director. Throughout his career, he has directed, written, produced and even acted in several projects. In 2004, Arau was honored for his work in cinema at the Santa Fe Film Festival and has even won an Ariel Award (Mexican awards that honor TV and film personalities). He is also a well-known actor in Mexico for his roles in shorts, TV and movies.

As for the cast, nothing has been revealed yet, because making a film is a long process. From the idea, to the script, to the pre-production and casting, a film can take three months or 15 years to actually be filmed. This is why he is thankful for Steve Barnett’s help. He has produced movies such as 300, Legendary and Knucklehead, giving him more than enough experience in the field. Arau is certain that Barnett’s help will allow the movie to travel the world.

Mexico is finally resetting their mark in the international film industry. After a tough time struggling with good Mexican cinema, we are finally seeing films made in Mexico, or by Mexicans, travel the world and be recognized. Even directors, or actors, who have migrated to the USA to stand out are being recognized such as Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro and Alejandro González Iñarritú.

Set to be filmed in the summer of 2015, there are huge expectations for this romantic comedy in its co-production. While it will bring attention to the destination, it will most importantly draw attention to the talent that Mexico has produced in the film industry.

Keep checking back, we will write another blog once more information is released about the locations, the dates, and the cast!

Top Mexico Real Estate has a home for anyone looking to vacation or retire in the Riviera Maya, and throughout Mexico. If you are looking for your dream home, please contact one of our Top Mexico Buyers’ Representatives who will gladly walk with you through the process of becoming a homeowner in paradise.

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