The upcoming film "Clika" is generating excitement as it prepares for its nationwide release on January 23rd. This poignant new feature, brought to life by Wilbraham native Sean McBride, tells the compelling story of migrant workers, capturing their struggles and aspirations.
In the trailer, a powerful statement resonates: "Migrant workers do what no one else wants to do in this country. Now, it’s my turn to live the American dream." This sets the stage for a classic rags-to-riches narrative. The film follows Chito, a Mexican American migrant worker who toils in the fields picking fruit but seizes an unexpected opportunity when a video of his musical performance goes viral.
Co-writer and co-producer Sean McBride describes the essence of the film: "We wanted to portray an artist's journey from hardship to success, illustrating that critical moment when you go from fearing foreclosure to buying your mother her dream home." In a recent chat with The Republican, he emphasized the importance of sharing such a story.
"Clika" marks the inaugural film from Rancho Humilde, a production company founded by music producer Jimmy Humilde, who has notably supported Mexican music artists like Fuerza Regida and Natanael Cano. McBride shared insights into Humilde's vision, explaining, "Growing up in Los Angeles, he noticed that while Latino communities—especially Mexicans—were present at events, they were often without representation in the spotlight. His realization was that the Latino music scene was largely shaped by Puerto Ricans and Cubans, leaving Mexicans underrepresented."
Recognizing this void in both music and film, Humilde sought to change the narrative with his company, focusing on authentic representations of Mexican culture. McBride and his writing partner, Michael Greene, collaborated closely with Humilde during the creative process to ensure that "Clika" remains true to its cultural roots. "Michael and I felt incredibly fortunate to have access to the resources at Rancho," McBride expressed. "For the first time, we were able to utilize all the tools we'd always dreamed of working with, allowing us to tell a truly captivating story."
Reflecting on his own background, McBride, a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, fondly recalls learning about America's rich cultural diversity during his early school days. He remarked, "We've strayed so far from that ideal, and through 'Clika,' I hope viewers gain insight into the perspective of someone striving to escape the confines of labor in the fields. This film highlights one man's extraordinary journey amidst countless others who remain, working tirelessly. To suggest that these individuals don't contribute to the American fabric is, quite frankly, absurd."
The cast of "Clika" features Jay Dee, who stars as Chito and also serves as the executive producer, alongside a talented ensemble that includes Nana Ponceleon, Josh Benitez, Eric Roberts, Master P, Alison Chace, Bourke Floyd, Cory Aycock, Cristian E. Gutierrez, and the late Peter Greene, among others.
For those intrigued by this inspiring tale and eager for more details about showtimes and additional information, feel free to visit clika.movie.
