Experts pose questions and offer theories: Could this be a UFO kidnapping? Biological terrorism? The Apocalypse and Latinos are the chosen ones? Or perhaps they just left because they were tired of being taken for granted.

As time goes by, the State continues to deteriorate: Garbage has taken over the streets and tears are permanently painted on the faces of most citizens as the 5th largest economy in the world tumbles. The realization that what has disappeared is the very thing that keeps the “California Dream” running – cooks, gardeners, policemen, nannies, doctors, farm and construction workers, entertainers, athletes, as well as the largest growing market of consumers – has turned Latinos and their return into the number one priority in the State.

Of course there are those who disagree. A baseball inscribed with hate and ignorance, is tossed at Lila Rodriguez. The last hope for answers has been destroyed. But as despair turns into quiet sorrow, deeply felt memories and heartfelt appreciation yield unexpected results.

Misunderstandings and humorous situations abound, making this a comedic satire…a modern fable, lesson included.

‘MISSING JOSE’ FOUND: WALKS HIS WAY TO BOX OFFICE SUCCESS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Televisa Cine’s Feature Debut “A Day Without A Mexican” Grosses Estimated $620,000 Opening Weekend

Takes in Weekend’s Second-Best per Screen Average of $11,071

LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 17, 2004 – Latino films took a giant leap forward this recent weekend, as Televisa Cine’s feature debut “A Day Without a Mexican” took in an estimated $620,000 throughout Southern California.

“A Day without a Mexican” is a total success,” said Mike Doban, (General Sales Manager of Televisa Cine USA). “It underscores that there is not only a broad Hispanic audience who wants to see this film, but also a significant cross over audience that embraces great storytelling. We are very pleased with our results and intend on releasing more films like this one.”

In only 56 playdates, the satirical, documentary-style depiction of what it would be like if Latinos inexplicably and spontaneously disappeared without a trace from California, “A Day Without a Mexican” yielded a strong $11,071 per theatre, second only to Warner Bros’ “Troy,” marking an impressive coming out for first-time director Sergio Arau.

“This story and the strength to make it came from our heart and gut,” said Director Sergio Arau and actor/screenwriter Yareli Arizmendi. “We did put all our eggs in the same basket: the audience. And they came through.”

Set in modern-day California and based on Sergio Arau and Yareli Arizmendi’s short of the same title, the much anticipated “A Day Without a Mexican,” starring Yareli Arizmendi (Like Water for Chocolate, 1992) as Lila Rodríguez, the sole remaining Latino in California after 14 million Latinos mysteriously disappear, delves into the economic, political and social implications of this disaster on the Golden State’s way of life. Experts pose questions and offer theories: Could this be a UFO kidnapping? Biological terrorism? The Apocalypse and Latinos are the chosen ones? Or perhaps they just left because they were tired of being taken for granted.

As time goes by, the State continues to deteriorate: Garbage has taken over the streets and tears are permanently painted on the faces of most citizens as the 5th largest economy in the world tumbles. The realization that what has disappeared is the very thing that keeps the “California Dream” running – cooks, gardeners, policemen, nannies, doctors, farm and construction workers, entertainers, athletes, teachers as well as the largest growing market of consumers – has turned Latinos and their return into the number one priority in the State. But as despair turns into quiet sorrow, deeply felt memories and heartfelt appreciation yield unexpected results.

Added Arau and Arizmendi: “We thank every Californian for letting their curiosity and heart take them to our film. We thank the producers and distributors for believing in us. And yes, we still believe we can change the world one screen at a time!”

Supported in large part by a provocative outdoor campaign asking “Where is José” and warning that “On May 14 the Gringos are going to cry,” the $1.5 million “A Day without a Mexican” will expand to a total of 98 screens on May 21 with 42 new playdates added in Dallas, Houston, El Paso, Fresno, Sacramento, and in surrounding towns. The campaign will be tailored by market moving forward.

“A Day without a Mexican,” distributed by Mexico’s Televisa Cine, is a co-production of Videocine, Altavista Films, Cinepolis and Spain’s Plural Entertainment.

About Televisa Cine
Televisa Cine is the film distribution arm of media powerhouse Grupo Televisa, the industry’s number one producer and distributor of Spanish-language product and the largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world. Sergio Arau’s “A Day without A Mexican” is the distributor’s first theatrical release and opened May 14 in limited release throughout Southern California. The film, winner of three awards (“Audience Award” “Best First Film” and “Best Editing”) at the IXX Guadalajara Latinamerican Film Festival, and the “Audience Award” from the El Publico Newspaper in Guadalajara, will soon expand to a total 98 screens across Southern California and Texas.