Updated 03:17 AM EDT, Tue, Mar 19, 2024

‘Ana Maria in Novela Land' Cast & News: Romantic Comedy Supports Latino Culture

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Edy Ganem's new film "Ana Maria in Novela Land" not only focuses on the romantic comedy genre; it also puts a special spotlight on the Latino culture.

The flick, which is out in select theaters on Feb. 27, stars Ganem as both Ana Maria, a typical young woman, and Ariana Tomosa, a telenovela superstar, Indie Wire reported. The two women switch places with each other by some magical occurrence, prompting them to learn how to live in each other's worlds.

"It's just part of who we are and what defines the culture, I mean, you can say there is spicy food, and lovely and lively music, and telenovelas," Ganem said, speaking to Fox News Latino about the soap opera tradition commonly seen in Latino culture. "It's another story that we can see about people who live here. A family, it just happens to be a Latino family, and of course we enjoy watching our novellas."

Aside from Ganem, the film also stars Michael Steger, Luis Guzmán, and the late Elizabeth Peña, with Georgina Garcia Riedel in the director's chair, Indie Wire noted. The movie, which was set in Los Angeles, features dialogues mostly in English but "has Spanish sprinkled throughout," Fox News Latino noted.

The "Devious Maids" actress also explained that bicultural Latinos will see themselves in the film's characters easily, and that "it's clear Latino audiences want to see more people like them portrayed onscreen," Fox News Latino added. The flick is reminiscent of popular TV shows catering to the same audience, including CW's "Jane the Virgin" and ABC's "Ugly Betty."

"I think a lot of doors are opening so we can see more stories like these being told and also [with Latina] lead characters," Ganem added, as quoted by the news outlet.

"Ana Maria in Novela Land" is the actress' first lead role in a feature film, Fox News Latino continued. She also previously starred in "Rob" and "The Cleveland Show." When asked how she feels about her role in the movie, Ganem admitted that "it was nerve-wracking at first," but then that quickly changed when she stepped in front of the camera to shoot the movie.

The film was Peña's last project before she died due to complications of alcoholism in October 2014, the news outlet recalled. Guzmán, who plays as the villain in the movie, describes Peña as "an incredible woman, an incredible individual," and "a blessing" to have in "Ana Maria in Novela Land."

"She was so fun to be around. She was full of joy and happy to be working," Ganem told Fox News Latino, referring to the late actress. "She enjoyed it, and she really showed that, and it was an honor to be a part of this film with her."

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