Salma Hayek Pinault’s production company, Ventanarosa Productions, is set to premiere its second film, “El Sabor de la Navidad” (working title “A Merry Mexican Christmas”), at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will be shown as part of TIFF’s special presentations program on September 13, 2023. After its festival debut, “El Sabor de la Navidad” will be available for streaming on the Spanish-language platform ViX in November.
“El Sabor de la Navidad” is a romantic comedy that follows three interconnected storylines set in Mexico City during Christmastime. The first story revolves around an estranged daughter trying to reconcile with her family. The second storyline focuses on two rival Santa Clauses in Alameda Central Park. Lastly, the third story showcases a lonely chef who prepares Christmas dinners for other families and starts developing feelings for her assistant.
The film features a talented cast including Mariana Treviño, Andrés Almeida, Armando Hernández, Juan Carlos Medellín, Mónica Dionne, and Marco Treviño. It was written by Jose Tamez and directed by Alejandro Lozano. Salma Hayek Pinault is one of the producers, along with Jose Tamez and Erica Sánchez from Lemon Studios.
This film marks Ventanarosa’s second collaboration with TelevisaUnivision, following their first-look deal signed in February 2022. As part of this agreement, Ventanarosa produces Spanish-language original movies exclusively for ViX, the streaming service owned by TelevisaUnivision. The first film under this partnership, “Quiero tu Vida,” premiered in May 2023.
“El Sabor de la Navidad” promises to be a heartwarming and entertaining addition to the holiday movie genre. With its relatable and intertwining storylines, it captures the spirit of Christmas while highlighting the unique cultural elements of Mexico City. The film explores themes of family, reconciliation, and love, offering audiences a delightful cinematic experience.
In anticipation of its premiere, exclusive first-look images from “El Sabor de la Navidad” have been released. These images showcase the festive atmosphere and vibrant performances of the cast members, further building excitement for the film’s release.
One of the images features Mariana Treviño, who plays a key role in the film. Her character, the estranged daughter, embarks on a heartfelt journey to reconnect with her family, setting the emotional tone for the film. Another image captures the chemistry between Mariana Treviño and Andrés Almeida, who portray the rival Santa Clauses. Their comedic interactions promise to bring laughter and joy to audiences.
Additional images highlight the culinary aspect of the film, with Mariana Treviño as the chef and her assistant, played by Armando Hernández. The visuals showcase the mouth-watering dishes prepared by the talented chef and hint at the budding romance between the characters.
The film’s setting in Mexico City during Christmastime adds a distinct cultural flavor to the story. Through its depiction of festive traditions, colorful decorations, and vibrant street scenes, “El Sabor de la Navidad” immerses viewers in the unique holiday atmosphere of the city. The film beautifully captures the spirit of Mexican Christmas celebrations, which are known for their warmth, joy, and generosity.
The world premiere of “El Sabor de la Navidad” at the Toronto International Film Festival will undoubtedly draw attention to the film and pave the way for its success. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to a global audience and receive critical acclaim.
With its talented cast, engaging storylines, and cultural richness, “El Sabor de la Navidad” has the potential to become a holiday classic and captivate audiences worldwide. The film’s release on ViX in November will ensure that Spanish-speaking viewers can enjoy this heartwarming comedy during the holiday season.
In conclusion, “El Sabor de la Navidad” is a highly anticipated film from Salma Hayek Pinault’s Ventanarosa Productions. Its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and subsequent release on ViX will give audiences the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas in Mexico City through its captivating story and talented cast.