La Misma Luna Panel to Spotlight Global Co-Production Legacy
Patricia Riggen and cast explore 15 years of La Misma Luna's global impact at NMS25 event.
Image: Instagram
More than 15 years after its premiere, Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna) continues to resonate as a breakthrough Spanish-language feature in the U.S. This year’s NMS25 lineup brings together the creative minds behind that historic film for a deep dive into its cross-border collaboration and enduring influence. The official announcement on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/DLIdpA5vq8g/) highlights a conversation with director Patricia Riggen, stars Kate del Castillo and Eugenio Derbez, and screenwriter Ligiah Villalobos, moderated by producer Jolene Rodriguez.
Meet The Panel
Patricia Riggen first made waves at Sundance when La Misma Luna debuted, sparking a bidding war that led Fox Searchlight to acquire the project. Riggen went on to become one of the most prominent female directors working in the U.S., helming titles such as The 33 and Miracles From Heaven. Joining her will be Kate del Castillo, whose award-winning turn as a mother crossing borders for her son established the film as the highest-grossing Spanish-language theatrical release in U.S. history.
Eugenio Derbez brings two decades of comedy and acting acclaim, from top-rated Spanish-language TV shows in Mexico to Emmy-winning roles in English-language projects. Ligiah Villalobos rounds out the panel as the screenwriter who crafted the heartfelt script, later serving as head writer on animated hits like Go, Diego! Go!
A Cross-border Success Story
Under the Same Moon pioneered a co-production model that blended U.S. and Latin American financing, cast, and crew. Industry insiders continue to cite its Sundance premiere as a turning point for Latino storytelling on a global stage. “We wanted an authentic voice, and that meant filming on location in both California and Mexico,” Riggen said in an interview. “That logistical effort paid off in audience connection.”
Ligiah Villalobos adds, “Writing memoir-inspired scenes meant capturing the textures of border life. Our script needed a collaborative ecosystem—writers, producers, financiers—to bring that vision to life.” The panel will unpack those early challenges and how they shaped a roadmap for future international partnerships.
Spotlight On Kate Del Castillo
Since La Misma Luna’s release, del Castillo has balanced film and television roles on both sides of the border. She currently stars in season four of Fox’s hit drama The Cleaning Lady as Ramona, a role she teased on Instagram: “Someone has it out for Ramona! 📺 #TheCleaningLady” (https://www.instagram.com/p/DIxRZLPCBcA/). On the streaming front, she leads the Vix+ series Volver A Caer, produced through her Cholawood Productions banner. Beyond acting, del Castillo advocates for increased Hispanic representation in Hollywood and mentors emerging Latino filmmakers.
Looking Ahead
Moderated by Jolene Rodriguez, CEO of Broken English Productions, the discussion promises to be an inside look at transcultural storytelling. Attendees will hear about festival strategies, distribution hurdles, and the ripple effects of La Misma Luna on today’s streaming-driven market.
Tickets are available now via the NMS25 website. Whether you’re a film student, a producer, or a fan of cross-cultural cinema, this panel offers a rare chance to learn from a team whose work continues to shape the industry.
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