New local film ‘Coyote Cage’ makes debut

Courtesy of Alyssa Munoz – KOAT

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — “Coyote Cage,” a new local film, made its debut Friday. The film is getting an all-Hispanic cast on the big screen.

“It’s such a celebration of all of us. You know, we encompass a huge part of the U.S., and now we’re getting to be highlighted,” said Valentin Guereque, an actor in the film. “It’s a celebration of Latino talent, Latino creativity. But also, just seeing these things that people go through, trying to fulfill the American dream.”

The film is about a group of migrants who hire a coyote, human smuggler, to get them across the border. The group finds themselves dealing with different obstacles like the desert environment and militants, trying to make it out safe.

Guereque said he drew on his experience growing up near the El Paso border to help him with his character.

“All the stories that I heard growing up, and it was just like putting them all together and just bring them out of me, out of this character. It just made it real for me,” Guereque said. “I think when people watch it, they’re going to see it and they’re going to feel it. That’s what I’m most excited about.”

According to Michael Perez, the director of the film, the cast is filled with people from different Latino backgrounds.

“There are many talented Latino actors throughout the entire country that can totally be utilized and beautiful stories and portray beautiful characters,” Perez said. “I want to see more of our Latino actors just shining in Hollywood and beyond.