The award winning actress Eva Longoria makes her fictional feature directorial debut with Flamin’ Hot. A story about perseverance to bring that addicting spicy kick to our palates. Alongside producer DeVon Franklin and the writer Linda Yvette Chávez. The film is composed with talent like Annie Gonzalez (Gentefied), Jesse Garcia (Quinceañera), Emilio Rivera (Sons of Anchary), Pepe Serna (Scarface), Bobby Soto (The Tax Collector), Fabian Alomar (This Fool and Cholos Try), Vanessa Martinez (Dirty John), Eric Marq (The Way It Goes) and Alejandro Marin. 

The Synopsis 

FLAMIN’ HOT is the inspiring true story of Richard Montañez, the Frito Lay janitor who channeled his Mexican American heritage and upbringing to turn the iconic Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into a snack that disrupted the food industry and became a global pop culture phenomenon. 

The tangy premiere of Flamin’ Hot took place on the opening night of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival at the TCL Chinese IMAX theater in Los Angeles, California. I was lucky to be able to attend the red carpet and speak to some of the cast including the filmmaker Eva Longoria and guests like Edward James Olmos among a few others. Check out the interviews below…

Eva Longoria Talks About The Inspiration In Watching Flamin’ Hot During The Premiere | LALIFF 2023 

Pepe Serna And Edward James Olmos Have A Fun Interaction During Flamin’ Hot Premiere | LALIFF 2023

Jesse Garcia Talks About His Preparation For Flamin’ Hot During The Premiere At LALIFF 2023 

Emilio Rivera Opens Up To About Who Inspired Him For His Character In Flamin’ Hot During | LALIFF 2023 

Alejandro Montoya Marín Discussed His Writing Experience For Flamin’ Hot During The Premiere At LALIFF 2023 

Henri Esteve Talks About The Success of Primo During The Flamin’ Hot premiere | LALIFF 2023

Alejandro Edda Talks About Filming The Horizon Saga With Kevin Costner During The Flamin’ Hot Premiere | LALIFF 2023

So, what is your level of spicy?

As you watch the film we have to keep in mind that this is the fictional version of the Flamin’ Hot story. If it were the true story we would not see it elevated in comedy with a rapping scene used creatively as a form of storytelling. The cast was very well picked with Jesse Garcia as Richard Montañez, another cast highlight was Emilio Rivera and Pepe Serna. The script was well written, however the length could have been shortened. The film is inspiring, and whether you’re a fan or not of the Cheetos themselves, you will probably end up buying a bag after you watch.

Flamin’ Hot can be seen on Hulu+ June 9, 2023

Source: LRMExclusive, Searchlight Pictures