Felipe Vargas Signs with Verve for Representation

Felipe Vargas has new representation…

The Colombian writer-director has signed with Verve for representation ahead of Friday’s release of his feature directorial debut, the horror film Rosario.

Felipe VargasEmeraude Toubia leads Vargas’ film as Rosario, who spends the night with her grandmother’s body while she waits for the ambulance to arrive, during a severe snowfall. Subsequently, Rosario is attacked by otherworldly entities that have taken control of her grandmother’s body.

Horror veteran David Dastmalchian co-stars in the pic, produced by Mucho Mas Media and Jon Silk.

Variance Films will release it in theaters on May 2.

Born in Colombia and raised in Florida, Vargas is a lifelong genre aficionado who grew up with a camera in his hand.

Next, he’s set to direct The Mouth of the Furnace, a horror-fantasy epic inspired by Latin American folklore that will shoot in the Dominican Republic this fall, with Sterlyn Ramirez producing.

Vargas is also set to write the big-screen debut of Bob the Builder for Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel, with Jennifer Lopez producing and Anthony Ramos set to star and produce.

Oscar-winning animation and production studio ShadowMachine is also producing. The film marks the latest major Mattel adaptation following the massive success of Barbie and is poised to bring the beloved children’s character to a new generation.

A graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Vargas first gained widespread recognition with his short film Milk Teeth, which has amassed over 12 million views on YouTube and laid the foundation for his larger-scale storytelling.

LD Entertainment & Variance Films to Release Rene Rosado-Starrer “National Anthem” In Theaters This Summer

Rene Rosado’s latest project is heading to a theater near you.

LD Entertainment will partner with Variance Films on the theatrical release of National Anthem, the queer ranching drama starring the 41-year-old Puerto Rican actor.

Rene RosadoThe feature directorial debut of Luke Gilford, which debuted at last year’s SXSW, also stars Charlie Plummer, Eve Lindley, Mason Alexander Park and Robyn Lively.

National Anthem will be released in the U.S. on July 12.

Immersed in the world of a rural queer ranching community, and set against the exuberant, real-life International Gay Rodeo AssociationNational Anthem is billed as a celebration of first love and chosen family. The protagonist of the film is Dylan (Plummer), a 21-year-old working in construction in New Mexico who joins a community of queer rodeo performers in search of their own version of the American dream.

Said Variance’s Dylan Marchetti and Kristen Osborne: “Variance’s mission is to help people find joy at the movie theater, and Luke’s incredible vision is a perfect fit. National Anthem is a celebration of so many things that TRULY make America great- love, our beautiful open spaces (shot in glorious 35mm, no less), and finding your family no matter where you may live- because no matter where you live, your family is out there waiting for you. We can’t wait for audiences to glam up and find theirs at theaters everywhere this summer!”

Added LD’s Mickey Liddell and Pete Shilaimon: “We have been impressed with Variance’s commitment to providing a re-imagined look at independent film releases. It is within the theater that audiences come together as a community to have fun and take home a message that resonates. Luke’s film embodies this same spirit, one that is a ballad to young love and finding yourself. We are beyond thrilled to invite audiences, cowboys, and drag queens alike to the rodeo.”