CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS AT SXSW: Gael García Bernal, Pedro Pascal, Melissa Villaseñor, Suzette Quintanilla, y más
Austin Vida has been covering all things Latinidad at SXSW and keeping an eye on the movers and shakers making things happen in our community including filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, artist Patssi Valdez, actor Gabriel Luna, musician Chris Perez and more.
Gael García Bernal
Mexican actor, director and producer Gael García Bernal leveraged his star power at SXSW on March 10 to bring attention to a critical climate issue: fossil fuels displacing vulnerable communities. Under threat right now? Mexico’s Gulf of California, which separates Baja California from the Mexican mainland.
The UNESCO World Heritage site that’s a biodiversity hotspot, home to 39 percent of all marine mammal species on the planet including whales, sea turtles and 891 fish species is in danger of turning into a “gas station,” according to the Natural Resources Defense Council and other organizations featured on the panel. A proposed $15 billion pipeline, backed by JP Morgan Chase, could disrupt a region often called “the world’s aquarium” and impact everything from fishing communities to sustainable tourism. — Nancy Flores
Melissa Villaseñor
Melissa Villaseñor, who blazed a trail becoming the first Latina cast member at “Saturday Night Live” captivated the crowd at Esther’s Follies during an intimate comedy set at SXSW. The March 8 show was a celebration of the Hollywood Improv’s 50th anniversary. The SNL alum delivered her trademark self-deprecating humor and spot-on impressions, including riffs on her “boring” life that’s “better in Spanish,” her family’s bewildered reactions to her performances, and fielding confused questions about her absence from the Barbie movie.
Between hilarious stories about dodging overzealous Maroon 5 fans and showcasing her musical talents with an Aaliyah cover, Villaseñor demonstrated why she remains one of comedy’s most unique and endearing voices since leaving SNL to focus on touring. — Nicole Williams-Quezada
Pedro Pascal
As Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal walked onstage at the March 8 “The Last of Us” SXSW panel, the audience unanimously rose in a standing ovation, setting an enthusiastic tone for the discussion on the critically-acclaimed show. With Season 2 set to premiere in just five weeks, the panel offered a first look at what to expect in the continuation of the drama. Pascal has become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable Latino actors. His portrayal of Joel has resonated with Latino audiences who rarely see themselves represented in leading roles, and especially in post-apocalyptic narratives. — Nicole Williams-Quezada
Suzette Quintanilla and Chris Perez
Through family photographs, archival Selena Quintanilla interviews and never-before-seen home videos, mostly recorded by Suzette Quintanilla, fans get a glimpse of the young girl who rose to stardom in the new “Selena y Los Dinos” documentary. Executive Producer Suzette Quintanilla and Chris Perez shared insights about the film after its Texas premiere at SXSW. — Nancy Flores
Robert Rodriguez
Legendary filmmaker and native Texan Robert Rodriguez and producer Alexis Garcia launched Brass Knuckle Films on March 9 during SXSW, a groundbreaking venture that will allow fans to directly invest in a slate of action films from Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios and Garcia’s CAT5.
What differentiates Brass Knuckle Films from traditional studio models is their commitment to giving audiences what Rodriguez called “a piece of the action.” Unlike crowdfunding platforms that provide perks in exchange for contributions, Brass Knuckle Films will provide legitimate investment opportunities, allowing fans to partake in the financial success of the films they help bring to life. — Nicole Williams-Quezada
Gabriel Luna
Gabriel Luna, an Austin native of Mexican decent who plays Joel’s (Pascal’s character) brother Tommy, acknowledged his hometown during the discussion of “The Last of Us.”
“Well, before I answer your question, I’d like to address my hometown,” Luna said, to enthusiastic applause. “That’s fantastic, Texas.” As the premiere for Season 2 approaches, excitement continues to build for what promises to be an ambitious and emotionally complex season. For Latino viewers especially, seeing actors like Pascal and Luna in leading roles in one of television’s most prestigious series represents a significant step forward in representation. — Nicole Williams-Quezada
Patssi Valdez
Chicano power is the driving force and narrative in Travis Gutiérrez Senger’s genre-bending film that lives up to its name by pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a documentary. Merging the past with the present in bold and demanding ways, “ASCO: Without Permission” is a Chicano work of resistance and strength through art. Patssi Valdez, a founding member of the art collective Asco, attended the SXSW premiere. — Ben Perez
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