WEST COVINA, CA — August 8, 2023 — (NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE) — Latin Heat Media, in collaboration with the Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses (HCSB) and The Latino Slant, is proud to announce a special community screening of the highly anticipated superhero film, Blue Beetle, on August 18 at the AMC Burbank Town Center Theater 8 in Burbank. This event aims to celebrate and publicize, with community backing, the first-ever Latino superhero in the DC Universe, Blue Beetle.
The lead role of Jaime Reyes (AKA “Blue Beetle”) is portrayed by the talented Xolo Maridueña known to audiences from his role in the TV show Cobra Kai. Blue Beetle also boasts a remarkable cast that includes George Lopez (Lopez vs. Lopez), Elpidia Carillo (Predator), Academy Award-nominated actress Adriana Barraza (Babel, Rambo: Last Blood), Harvey Guillen, newcomer Belissa Escobedo (American Horror Story, The Baker and the Beauty), Raoul Max Trujillo (Mayans M.C.), and Hollywood star Susan Sarandon (Bull Durham, Thelma & Louise). Additionally, the renowned singer Becky G lends her voice to the film as “Khaja-Da.”
The community screening, totally funded by the presenting entities, comes at a crucial time for the film industry, with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG/Aftra) currently on strike, the talent of the film is not able to promote the opening of the film. That is when the organizations saw the need to rally support for Blue Beetle, a groundbreaking movie that holds significant importance for the future of Latino representation in Hollywood. This film showcases Latinos in a positive light, breaking barriers and paving the way for more inclusive storytelling in the entertainment industry.
Warner Bros., we were told, is organizing three advance screenings in Los Angeles, but Latin Heat Media and HCSB’s Arts and Entertainment Committee felt a free community screening would fuel the excitement among audiences which in turn will result in building a social buzz and encourage more support for the film. Groups of Latino students from underserved communities and their families have been invited to see themselves represented in the film.
In a city where Latinos make up 50% of the population, three screenings alone are not enough to spread the word. Latin Heat Media and HCSB are committed to ensuring that more individuals have the opportunity to enjoy the film at the screening and be empowered by seeing a superhero who looks like them. The response has been overwhelming. An hour after posting the free tickets on social media, all tickets were gone.
Bel Hernandez, President/CEO of Latin Heat Media and Chair of HCSB’s Arts and Entertainment Committee, emphasizes the importance of engaging the Latino audience in supporting films that authentically represent their community. “The power of the Latino audience has not always been fully tapped, especially when it comes to movies as important as Blue Beetle. The studios must involve and market to our community. Warner Bros., the studio releasing this film, hasn’t always had a stellar track record with Latino-focused film marketing. It’s time to see a commitment to our community and an adequate marketing investment if they wish to access our significant consumer buying power.”
According to the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Latinos who comprise 19% of the population, accounted for 29% of movie tickets sold in 2020, and this trend continues to grow. Latin Heat Media and HCSB’s Arts and Entertainment Committee are dedicated to promoting awareness of projects with Latino participation, aiming to increase the visibility of the Latino representation in the entertainment industry.
The community screening of Blue Beetle promises to be an unforgettable event, celebrating diversity and unity and inclusivity, and hopefully a catalyst for more audiences to go see it on their own.
About Latin Heat Media
Latin Heat Media, is a multimedia company committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. With over 30 years of experience in the sector, Latin Heat Media works tirelessly to elevate Latino voices and create opportunities for Latino creatives.
About Hispanic Coalition of Small Business (HCSB)
HCSB is a non-profit organization dedicated to champion coalitions among Hispanic and diverse small businesses, government, and local communities in the Inland Empire region, and throughout the State of California, by providing resources and opportunities to ensure their success.
