By Liz Lopez
Source: Starz, SXSW
During The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals in March, I was able to attend the some of the productions offered under the Episodic category of films and other works. Under the Episodic work, SXSW describes it as “Featuring innovative new work aimed squarely at the small screen, Episodic tunes in to the explosion of exciting material on non-theatrical platforms, including serialized TV, webisodes and beyond.”
Director: Alonso Ruizpalacios presents the World Premiere of “Vida” about two estranged Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different. Circumstances force them to return home where they are confronted by the past and surprising truth about their mother’s identity. Cast: Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada, Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda, Maria Elena Laas
“Vida” had a two-episode world premiere that was screened to a packed house at the Vimeo Theater at 1pm on Sunday, March 11, 2018. Following the screening, the enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a Q&A with the cast and creator.
Participants included cast members Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada, Ser Anzotegui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and Maria Elena Laas; and Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer Tanya Saracho.
SXSW 2018 announced the Audience Award winners in various categories and for the EPISODIC category, “Vida” is the Audience Award winner by Director: Alonso Ruizpalacios
After viewing the two episodes of the series, it did leave me wanting to view more of the story. From what I viewed, the story is interesting and at the end of the second episode, the viewer will be interested in learning more about what the sister’s additional challenges will be about in their community and personal lives.
Starz had already announced at the festival that the television series would begin on Sunday, May 6th and now the public can tune in to follow the story of these two sisters.
For more information about Starz and how to view this series: