Italian
Rising star Yelyna De León takes center stage in ’20 Pounds to Happiness’
A romantic comedy set to charm audiences
Yelyna De León is set to make waves in the film industry as she both stars in and directs the upcoming romantic comedy, “20 Pounds to Happiness”, penned by the acclaimed writer Josefina López. This project stands out as it marks De León’s debut as a feature film director, a significant milestone in her rapidly evolving career.
An ensemble of talent: Meet the cast
Joining De León in this delightful film are Carlo Mendez and Riley Shanahan, alongside a diverse supporting cast including Christiana Leucas, Soledad St. Hilaire, Iyari Limon, Rafael Sigler, and Tricia Cruz. Each actor brings their unique flair to the film, promising a dynamic and engaging performance.
Plot insights: Love or friendship?
“20 Pounds to Happiness” follows the journey of a full-figured Latina navigating the delicacies of love and loyalty. The protagonist, part of a “Real Women Have Curves” support group, finds herself at a crossroads: choosing between staying true to her girlfriends or seizing the opportunity to be with her dream man. The movie beautifully explores themes of self-acceptance, the complexities of friendship, and the sometimes overwhelming nature of romantic pursuits.
A closer look at Yelyna De León’s career
De León is no stranger to the spotlight. Her acting credits span a range of popular TV shows and movies, including major roles in “Will and Grace”, “Snowfall”, “Ray Donovan”, and “Shameless”. She also showcased her versatility by writing, producing, and acting in the murder mystery film Murder in the Woods, starring alongside the legendary Danny Trejo.
Highlighting the co-stars
Carlo Mendez brings his Cuban-American charm to the film, boasting an impressive resume with roles in “9-1-1”, “Superior Donuts”, and “Parks and Recreation”. He is currently a series regular on the Emmy-winning show “The Bay” and is in production for Dexter: Origins, set to premiere this December.
Riley Shanahan, known for his roles in “Titans” and “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”, also joins the ensemble cast. His work includes an appearance with Alicia Vikander in the visually captivating short film “I Am Easy to Find”.
Christiana Leucas’s versatile acting includes stellar performances in “The Lottery”, “Miss Me This Christmas”, and “Last Stand”. Her presence in the film is expected to add depth to the narrative.
Supporting performances
Iyari Limon has been a standout star in over 100 national commercials, with notable guest roles in “ER”, “Jane the Virgin”, “Glee”, and “How to Get Away With Murder”. She is perhaps best known for her role as Kennedy on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”.
Soledad St. Hilaire, previously collaborating with López on “Real Women Have Curves” and with De León on “Murder in the Woods”, brings her seasoned experience to this new venture.
Rafael Sigler is recognized for his roles in “Dreaming Hollywood” and “Gentefied” and will soon be seen in the new TV series “Can’t Go Home” alongside Jennifer Garner.
Tricia Cruz rounds out the cast with recent credits in “Above the Line” and “More”, as well as the upcoming film “Deadly Swap”. Her TV work includes appearances in classics like “Criminal Minds”, “ER”, and “Beverly Hills 90210”.
Industry trends and the significance of ’20 Pounds to Happiness’
The film industry continues to embrace stories that highlight diverse experiences and perspectives. “20 Pounds to Happiness” exemplifies this trend, focusing on a protagonist whose journey many viewers can relate to. This narrative push towards inclusivity and authentic representation is crucial in broadening the scope of storytelling in cinema.
The film does more than entertain; it challenges societal norms and encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices. By featuring a protagonist who is both relatable and inspiring, “20 Pounds to Happiness” ensures its place in the growing landscape of films that resonate deeply with audiences.
Sharing in the excitement
As we anticipate the release of 20 Pounds to Happiness, it’s clear that Yelyna De León and Josefina López have created a piece that will captivate and move viewers.
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