• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Popular Stage Play Vecinos Now in Film Production

July 15, 2019 by Camellia Falcon 1 Comment

Rupert Reyes as Don Roberto in Vecinos the Movie
Rupert Reyes as Don Roberto in “Vecinos” (Credit: Vecinos The Movie Facebook)

Several cult favorite movies, “Dazed and Confused,” “Office Space,” and “Boyhood,” share something in common: Austin. As Austinites, we not only enjoy these movies for themselves, but get to see our city on the big screen.

Currently, a movie is in production that not only has Austin as a backdrop, but also prides itself on having deep Austin roots. The “Vecinos” script was written by a local playwright; it had two separate runs as a play; and the film uses local talent, and crew.

“Vecinos” tells a story many will appreciate, about family, love, and the complexity of finding the people and places that make a home.

Vecinos: the Play

"Vecinos" had two runs at Austin's Mexican American Cultural Center
“Vecinos” had two runs at Austin’s Mexican American Cultural Center (Credit: Vecinos The Movie Facebook)

“Vecinos, Love Thy Neighbor,” was born in Austin in 2008. Originally produced by Teatro Vivo and hosted at Mexican American Cultural Center, the play ran as “Vecinos” or “Neighbors.”

The story centered around a widowed gentleman named Roberto (Rupert Reyes), whose life changes when a new neighbor moves in next door. In getting to know this new neighbor, he finds himself revisiting love. But it turns out the neighbor, Maria (Alma Chapa Moore), moved back to the neighborhood of her youth with a secret of her own.

Maria’s move to the neighborhood also impacts Roberto’s son, Samuel (Julio Carreon-Reyes), who is struggling with burnout in his career and looks for solace. Through the course of the play, all the characters face questions about their history and purpose, and how to define home, love, and family.

The play, set in Austin, found a home in the hearts and minds of local audiences. In 2014, it had a second run. The second run sold out many of its performances, again at Mexican American Cultural Center.

Vecinos: the Movie

Vecinos Film Production in Austin
Julio Carreon-Reyes, playing Samuel, awaits direction for the scene

The original play and subsequent movie script were written by Rupert Reyes. Reyes and his wife JoAnn were founding members of Teatro Vivo, and have always prided themselves on using local talent, paying fair wages, and creating environments that foster respect for all.

Following the success of the play, the Reyeses were urged by a cast member to make the stage production into a feature-length film. Once again, the community rallied behind the project, donating over $18,000 to the project over a few short weeks, and gifting other assistance such as locations and props. Alex Avila, a local professor and film veteran, is directing.

Filming began in late June 2019 and kicked off with a family meal, or “cena.” As JoAnn Reyes put it, “It’s a film about familia, and we gather as a production familia.” Beyond breaking bread together, the cena set the expectation that every place and person the team encountered would be left with a positive impression.

This intention was apparent when I visited the set and noticed the team carefully replace moved furniture and perform small repairs as they finished a scene in the borrowed office space. In this scene, the son Samuel’s boss asked about a required report that was outlined in an email. “I’m trying to catch up!” Samuel replied, and instantly the story felt familiar.

How to Get Involved

Vecinos Film Crew in Austin
The “Vecinos” crew discuses the optimal take for an office scene

There are still several ways for the Austin community to get involved. First, follow Vecinos on Facebook, where calls for extras, props, and wrap ups are posted. Second, you can be an official “producer” of the film and/or be cast as an extra with a monetary donation. Finally, be prepared to watch and support the film once it’s released in spring 2020.

Let’s show the world that Austinites truly support our own vecinos.


@theAustinot wants to know:

Did you go to see “Vecinos,” the play?

Filed Under: Entertainment, Film Tagged With: film, vecinos

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Alex Avila
Alex Avila
3 years ago

The journalism professor in me wants to say do not end the story with a call to action. Of course, the film director in me wants to share it with as many people as possible.

The breath of local talent contributing to this project is staggering. As a production, we are blessed with local resources to pull this off at a high level.

0
Reply

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

Things to do in Austin this weekend with kids | KIds Night Out at Anderson Mill

Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Kids Night Out, Comedy Match Live, and more!

If there’s one thing about this city, it’s that there is always something going on. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 13, 2023, there’s plenty of fun to be had, including Kids Night Out – Movie Star Party, Comedy Match Live ComedySportz Austin, Second Saturdays are […]

Things to do in Austin this weekend | Crafting Workshop: Intro to Alcohol Inks

10 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Crafting Workshop: Intro to Alcohol Inks, Warehouse District 10k, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of January 13 which include Crafting Workshop: Intro to Alcohol Inks, Warehouse District 10k, Off Script!, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be right for you. Deal Alert […]

Things to do in Austin this week | Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled Tour

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of January 9, 2023 include Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled Tour, The Workout Comedy Show, and more!

Austin’s New Year: Fireworks from Afar

Austin New Years Eve 2023 fireworks guide – NYE party start time, entertainment line up, parking tips & more!

Are you ready to say goodbye to 2022? What better way to ring in the New Year than with fireworks at Austin’s biggest and official New Year party! This beloved, annual Austin event draws thousands of people including locals as well as visitors from neighboring towns in the Central Texas area. If you are googling […]

Johnson City Christmas Lights Spectacular 2022 - What to expect at this lighting event in Texas

Johnson City Christmas Lights Spectacular 2022 – A beloved Texas lighting event!

Come one, come all to celebrate the Johnson City Lights Spectacular 33rd Season! Johnson City is an area close to Fredericksburg, TX. Every Christmas holiday for the last 33 years, Johnson City transforms from a slow-paced, presidential hometown nestled on the banks of the Pedernales River, into a bright beacon of light — like a […]

Recent Posts

  • Romantic Restaurants Austin – Top 10 best date night restaurants near you
  • Healthy Food Austin – Your comprehensive guide to health friendly restaurants, cafes, and more!
  • MLK Austin Texas – Your Guide to Martin Luther King Weekend 2023 Activities, Events, and Celebrations!
  • Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Kids Night Out, Comedy Match Live, and more!
  • 10 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Crafting Workshop: Intro to Alcohol Inks, Warehouse District 10k, and More!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • Romantic Restaurants Austin – Top 10 best date night restaurants near you
  • Guide to Austin’s Dirty Sixth Street
  • Guide to Bat Season in Austin
  • Dance the Night Away With Austin’s Top Cover Bands
  • 7 Outstanding Fine Artists in Austin to Know and Appreciate

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

wpDiscuz