The film Flamin’ Hot directed by Eva Longoria and produced by DeVon Franklin follows Richard Montañez on his life journey, showcasing his “American dream” come true.
“As Latinos, we don’t get our stories told as often as we like and this story is so inspirational,” Longoria said when asked why she thinks this story was important to tell.
Franklin met Richard a few years ago and when Richard was telling him about his journey, “I could just see myself,” Franklin said.
Richard Montañez is played by actor Jesse Garcia who says that part was meant to be his,” I kind of felt like it was written for me, it was one of those parts that was like ‘oh ok this is mine I just have to work and prove to them that I’m the only person.’”
Annie Gonzalez took on the role of Judy, who is Richards’s girlfriend and wife in the movie.
She felt the same way as Jesse, feeling like the role was hers, “I’m the only person who can tell the story.”
Richard Montañez comes from a line of Mexican immigrants who are impoverished field workers. Unfortunately, Richard’s dad disapproved of this, he was very abusive and made Richard and his siblings fearful of him. He also faces bullying in school for the food that he brought, which was a burrito, which when the bullies tasted it they couldn’t get enough. The burritos Richard’s mom made were Richard’s first business selling burritos all through school. In the 1960s, Chicanos (Mexican-Americans) were no friend to the law which landed Richard into trouble at a young age.
As he aged he and his school sweetheart, Judy, were in a gang. As soon as Judy got pregnant, Richard knew he had to shape up. He landed a job in Fritoy Lay, providing for his family, and that is where his Flamin’ Hot journey started.
The goal of this movie was for people from the Latin community to see that if Richard could do it they can too, Eva Longoria said.
